Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the rims of the eyelids, which causes them to become red and swollen. Blepharitis is common, accounting for an estimated 1 in 20 eye problems reported to GPs. It is more common in patients over 50, although it can develop at any age. Symptoms include:
- burning, soreness or stinging in the eyes
- crusty eyelashes
- itchy eyelids
Blepharitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, or it can be a complication of a skin condition such as:
- seborrhoeic dermatitis, which causes an itchy rash on the skin and scalp (seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp is called dandruff)
- rosacea, which causes the face to appear red and blotchy
- itchy eyelids
It is not possible to catch blepharitis from someone else who has it. Blepharitis is usually a long-term (chronic) condition, which means once it develops it can cause repeated episodes. Although there is no cure for blepharitis, our Optometrist can successfully descale the scurf and bacterial debris, the main causes of this inflammatory disease. This unique treatment takes 20-30 minutes and will massively reduce the debris, which may otherwsie take months to clean off using conventional home regimes. (More severe cases of blepharitis may require antibiotics)
