Blepharitis treatment
The name, blepharitis, sounds really bad, but this is not a serious condition. Blepharitis is simply a name for inflamed eyelids. The eyelids are like any other part of the body, they can become irritated and inflamed. The inflammation on the eyelids is very much like eczema in appearance as they are often red and scaly. When you are suffering from blepharitis you may also notice that your eyes feel very tired, they may feel gritting, and they might even be uncomfortable when you go into bright light or a smoke filled environment such as a restaurant or bar. Many people who suffer from blepharitis feel as though they have something in their eyes, despite the fact that there is not anything in them.
Blepharitis is not uncommon because the eyelids actually have small glands in them; this is especially true for the lower lids. The glands have the job of making substances that mix with tears, and the tears are meant to spread across the eye, ensuring that it is able to function properly. There is also a thin layer of tears that keeps the eye moist, keeping them from drying out and also helps to keep them comfortable. The problem is, as we age, the glands can become blocked. The result is that the glands do not make the substances that they need to help the tears spread across the front of the eye. The tears then dry or break up and dry areas will be found on the surface of the eye. These dry areas are what make the eye feel sore, gritty, or uncomfortable and the result is inflamed eyelids, or blepharitis.
As uncomfortable as it is, blepharitis is not serious and usually will not cause damage to the eye. While it is not serious, it needs to be treated to reduce the inflammation and discomfort associated with blepharitis. The treatment is meant to do away with the blockage in the eyelid, which if left untreated, can become infected and inflamed. You’ll also be attempting to replace the tears if the eyes are dry, and treat an infection if there is one. You should know that some people respond to one treatment while others find that they are uncomfortable for several days before the issue clears up.
The blepharitis treatment is very simple. Soak a cotton ball in a mixture of warm water and baby shampoo. Place the cotton ball over the eyelid for five minutes. This will help to remove any scales and build up that are found on the eye. Next, clean the edge of the lower eyelid with a cotton ball to remove any scales that have build up there. Be sure that you rinse all of the soap off of the eye, as soap in or around the eye may cause further irritation or inflammation of the eye and eyelid. Repeat this process twice a week and you should see a huge improvement within a week.
Another part of the blepharitis is lubricating the eye. You should purchase gel tears or something along this line from your local drug store. Follow the directions on the bottle. Using lubrication will help to keep the eye more comfortable, doing away with dryness.
If you use the cleaning and lubricating blepharitis treatment and have not gotten any relief you may want to try an antibiotic ointment or cream. Simply apply the ointment to the upper and lower lids, without getting it in the eye. Apply every day for one month. If you do not see an improvement during this time, it may be time to see your eye doctor.
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