Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid near the eye.
Anterior blepharitis impacts the outside of your eyelid along the eyelash line.
Both posterior and anterior blepharitis affect people of all ages.
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The conditions tend to occur more often in people with oily skin.
It develops when oil glands in the inner eyelid allow bacteria to grow.
This oil is designed to prevent tear film evaporation.
When these glands are inflamed, either too much or too little oil is secreted.
Red, burning eyes ordry eyescan occur, as can fluctuations in vision.
Posterior blepharitis is occur as a result of skin conditions such as acne rosacea and scalp dandruff.
It is also referred to as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Anterior Blepharitis
Anterior blepharitis affects the outside of the eyelid where the eyelashes attach.
There are three main types of anterior blepharitis: seborrheic, ulcerative, and demodex.
Seborrheic Blepharitis
Seborrheic blepharitis is associated with dandruff.
Ulcerative Blepharitis
Ulcerative blepharitis is triggered by bacteria and usually begins in childhood.
Ulcerative blepharitis is less common than seborrheic blepharitis, but more severe.
Demodex blepharitis can be diagnosed 100% by visualizing collarettes (cylindrical dandruff) around the eyelash base.
Self-Care Options for Blepharitis
Blepharitis is usually a chronic condition.
Eyelid scrubs can be done in several different ways.
Baby shampoo is recommended because it does not sting the eyes.
It may take three months or longer before a definite beneficial effect is seen.
Omega-3s can be found in foods like salmon, halibut, walnuts, and flax seeds.
Check with a healthcare provider before using omega-3 supplements, especially if you have any other medical problems.
Increased Blinking
Blinking causes the expression of oil from the Meibomian glands.
Concentrating when reading or using a digital rig often reduces blinking, which can cause dry, irritated eyes.
Your blink rate also naturally decreases with age.
Do your best to take breaks from things like computer work.
Medical Treatment for Blepharitis
Home care may not be enough to manage blepharitis.
Medicine may need to be prescribed.
Topical Antibiotics
Azithromycin is available in a topical form called Azasite.
This medication tends to have an anti-inflammatory effect as well help fight infection.
Azasite comes as a solution in a dropper bottle.
Healthcare providers should instruct patients to apply 1 drop into the affected eye.
Oral Antibiotics
For stubborn cases, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Oral tetracycline, minocycline, or doxycycline prescribed anywhere from 30 days to much longer can be quite effective.
This is helpful especially for patients with a more severe form of blepharitis calledocular rosacea.
Healthcare providers will prescribe corticosteroids for short-term inflammation control to minimize potential complications of blepharitis.
Topical Anti-parasitics
Xdemvy (lotilaner) is an eye drop used to treat Demodex blepharitis.
These can be managed, however.
Blepharitis is not always resulting from poor hygiene, but it can be.
Bacteria that normally live on the skin can multiply when it’s not cleaned often.
Some studies have found a correlation between the two.
Low levels of vitamins A and D have been linked to eye problems, including dry eye and blepharitis.
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