Blepharitis
- Treatments
How is blepharitis treated?
Blepharitis is often a chronic or ongoing condition, but it can be controlled with the following treatments. Your ophthalmologist will recommend an appropriate treatment for you.
Warm compresses
Wet a clean washcloth with warm water, wring it dry, and place it over your closed eyelids for five minutes. Repeat two or three times a day. This will loosen scales and debris around your eyelashes. It also helps to unclog the oil glands.
Eyelid scrubs
Use a damp facial cotton square with a drop of mild shampoo to cleanse your eyelids and gently scrub the base of your eyelashes and lid margins of each eyelid. If you are using an eyelid cleanser recommended by your ophthalmologist, follow the instructions provided. In severe cases of blepharitis, it may be necessary to scrub the eyelid two times daily. Eyelid hygiene has to be maintained on a long-term basis.
Antibiotics
In acute stages, topical antibiotic ointment such as fucithalmic or tetracycline ointment may be prescribed. This is done by squeezing a small amount of the ointment onto the tip of the little finger and rubbing it onto the eyelid margin. Any excess ointment may then be wiped off. Some patients may need low does oral antibiotics like doxycycline to provide relief from signs and symptoms.
Steroid eye drops
If there are cornea sterile infiltrates, mild topical steroids may be used on a short-term basis. Lubricating eye drops Artificial tears are useful in treating dry eyes that is often associated with blepharitis. Other medications Omega-3 supplements in the form of fish oil or flaxseed may be useful in reducing symptoms of blepharitis.
