Treatment & Prevention of Blepharitis


Whether a person is diagnosed or appears susceptible to blepharitis, care in eye cleaning and good eye hygiene reduces symptoms and frequency of complaint. The cleaning should aim at keeping eyes crust free and lubricated. If the complaint is severe, repeat the frequency of treatment, several times a day if necessary.  Eye washes are an effective means of soothing the eyelid and unplugging any meibomian glands that may have become blocked.  During the eye washing process, you should first apply a hot flannel to the eye, and compress for five to ten minutes.  The warmth will make the skin and the crust formations on the eye softer, and easier to remove.  Also, the oil secreted from the meibomian glands will become more fluid, allowing blockage’s to be moved more easily. 

Another alternative are heat bags.  These are specially designed bags that can be heated in the microwave and placed over the eye to act in the same way.  The advantage it has over the traditional flannel method is that it is specially designed, and therefore retains the heat better for a more effective treatment.  It is also more efficient and easier to use.  To loosen the bacteria, you should massage the eye immediately after applying heat.  This should be done gently with your index and middle finger.  Too much pressure or eye rubbing can aggravate the condition, causing it to worsen.

If symptoms are acute, antibiotics may also be prescribed in the form of tablets as well as cream. If you are prescribed any sort of ointment, you should place it carefully around the infected eyelid, but be cautious not to get any in the eye itself.  This should be done immediately after a cleansing process.  The most common cure for blepharitis is usually a three-month course of antibiotic treatment.  Contact lens wearers may have to revert to glasses during treatment or possibly permanently if symptoms are particularly stubborn. You should also avoid applying eye make-up during treatment.  

In a typical daily cleaning routine, you should begin by using cotton pads or a clean, soft cloth to make a compression upon the eyelid. Moisten the pad with water and make the compression as hot as comfortable. Apply pressure to the closed eyes and massage gently to loosen dried crusting and debris. You should do this for a few minutes, but longer time can be taken where necessary. Afterwards, it is important to rinse thoroughly with warm water. If necessary and taking care, clean the eyelid edge with a cotton-bud, using warm water and a cleaning agent advised by your GP, pharmacist or optician. Use a mirror as this greatly assists cleaning effectiveness and reduces the risk of accidental harm. Flaxseed oil, high in Omega-3, has been reported as a useful diet supplement aiding prevention of blepharitis in some people.

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