Topic Overview
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis (say "bleh-fuh-RY-tus") is a skin problem that affects the eyelids and lashes. It may be caused by bacteria or by other skin conditions such as
dandruff, skin allergies, or eczema.
If you have blepharitis, you're also more
likely to get
styes.
What are the symptoms?
If you have blepharitis:
In some cases, symptoms may be more severe.
How is blepharitis diagnosed?
The
doctor will look at your eyes, eyelids, and eyelashes with a lighted tool.
How is it treated?
In many cases, regular washing of your eyelids, eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair can control blepharitis. To wash your eyelids:
- Put a few drops of baby shampoo in a cup of water, and dip a cotton ball,
cotton swab, or washcloth in the liquid. With your eyes closed, gently
wipe across each eyelid about 10 times. Make sure to wipe across the
lashes too. Rinse well.
- Or, if you take a shower, let warm water run over your closed eyes for a minute. Then put a few drops of baby shampoo on a
washcloth and use it to gently scrub the lids and lashes. Rinse the shampoo away.
You can also put a warm, wet washcloth over your eyes. If your eyes are dry, artificial tears may help.
You may need antibiotics to treat some types of blepharitis. For example, if you have eye pain or a lot of swelling and redness, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.
While your eyelids are healing, it may be a good idea to avoid wearing contact lenses or eye makeup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about blepharitis: | |
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| EyeSmart |
| P.O. Box 7424 |
| San Francisco, CA 94120-7424 |
| Phone: | (415) 447-0213 |
| Fax: | (415) 561-8533 |
| Email: | eyesmart@aao.org |
| Web Address: | www.geteyesmart.org |
| |
EyeSmart is a public information Web site provided by
the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It provides general information and
brochures on eye conditions and diseases and low-vision resources and
services. |
|
| National Eye Institute, National Institutes of
Health |
| Information Office |
| 31 Center Drive MSC 2510 |
| Bethesda, MD 20892-2510 |
| Phone: | (301) 496-5248 |
| Email: | 2020@nei.nih.gov |
| Web Address: | www.nei.nih.gov |
| |
As part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the National Eye
Institute provides information on eye diseases and vision research.
Publications are available to the public at no charge. The Web site includes
links to various information resources. |
|
References
Other Works Consulted
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (2008). Blepharitis. Preferred Practice Patterns. San Francisco: American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available online: http://one.aao.org/CE/PracticeGuidelines/PPP_Content.aspx?cid=080ac46b-ea4d-4556-893a-2a63ba87ffcd.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology |
|---|
| Last Revised | August 15, 2011 |
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