If you find yourself frequently experiencing eye swelling redness, and crusting, you could have blepharitis. It occurs when the margins of your eyelids become inflamed. Blepharitis can be chronic, or it can happen only once. This common eye condition can affect both children and adults, often with unknown causes. At Southside Eye Center, we specialize in both the treatment and prevention of blepharitis.
Read on to learn more about blepharitis and when you should seek medical attention.
What Are the Symptoms of Blepharitis?
Since blepharitis causes inflammation, it can also cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of blepharitis include:
Swelling of the eyelids.
A gritty feeling inside your eye that does not go away.
Eye itchiness.
Excessive tearing.
Crusting that is most prevalent in the morning upon waking.
Other symptoms of blepharitis are eyelid tenderness, redness, and light sensitivity.
Types of Blepharitis
There are two distinct types of blepharitis: anterior and posterior. Anterior blepharitis
Causes of Blepharitis
Blepharitis is often caused by bacterial infections, allergic reactions, dandruff, and acne rosacea. Other possible causes include:
Dry eye syndrome.
Seborrheic dermatitis.
Viral infections.
Treatment For Blepharitis
The exact treatment for blepharitis depends on its cause. If it is caused by an infection you will most likely be prescribed a course of antibiotic ointment. If your inflammation is severe, you may also be prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce redness and swelling.
It is important to note that if your symptoms are caused by another underlying medical condition, such as dry eyes, that will also need to be treated to ensure your symptoms do not return.
Managing Blepharitis at Home
In addition to your prescribed treatment plan, you can also practice proper eye hygiene with gentle cleansing, you can also apply warm compresses for five to 10 minutes a day, two to three times a day, to reduce your discomfort.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are experiencing eye symptoms and think you have blepharitis, the experienced doctors at Southside Eye Center can help. Conveniently located in Chesapeake, VA, we offer comprehensive care for all of our patients. Contact us at 757-484-0101 to schedule an appointment today.
