There are several conditions that can affect your eyes, but most of them affect the actual eyeball. Blepharitis, on the other hand, affects the eyelids. It usually appears where the eyelashes grow and is caused by the oil glands near the eyelids becoming clogged. It’s not typically a dangerous condition, but it can be extremely uncomfortable to deal with.
Blepharitis is a chronic condition and can be a bit difficult to diagnose. It’s important to understand the symptoms of blepharitis, so you can speak to your doctor if need be. Here’s what you should be looking for if you think you might possibly have blepharitis.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
If at any point the symptoms don’t ease up with good hygiene and care, then you should seek the attention of a doctor. Symptoms can include the following:
- Loss of eyelashes
- Red eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Eyelids that appear greasy
- Watery eyes
- A burning sensation in the eyes
- A crust on the eyelashes when you wake up
- Excessive blinking
Now that you know what to look for, it’s important to understand the different types and causes of Blepharitis. Blepharitis can be caused by a number of conditions that affect the human body, so at times, blepharitis can be a bit hard to diagnosis due to the underlying factors. The following are a few of the main causes:
- Eyelash mites
- Lice
- Allergies to certain makeup products, eye contact solutions, and eye medications
- Rosacea – a condition that affects the skin
- A bacterial infection
- Dandruff
- Clogged oil glands
There are three main types of blepharitis that someone can be diagnosed with.
Anterior Blepharitis
This form of blepharitis affects the skin around the base of your eyelids. It can be caused by the following conditions:
- A reaction to the Staphylococcus bacteria that lives in the body. Usually this bacteria does no harm, but in some people it can lead to inflammation.
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis, which is a long-term skin condition that can cause the scalp to become red and flaky.
Posterior Blepharitis
This type of blepharitis affects the Meibomian glands, which are found on the eyelids behind the base of the eyelashes.
Mixed Blepharitis
This is a mixture of the anterior and posterior forms of blepharitis.
Unfortunately, blepharitis can’t be cured, but there are things that can be done that will keep the symptoms at bay. Follow these tips, and you’ll hopefully be symptom-free for longer periods of time:
- Practice Good Hygiene. Make sure you’re washing your eyelids several times a day. Don’t allow the crust to build up on your eyelids.
- Use a Warm Compress. This causes the oils in the eyelids to become more runny.
- Gently Massage Your Eyelids. This will allow you to push the oil out of the eyelids.