What Is Blepharitis, And Is There Anything I Can Do About It?

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: What is blepharitis, and is there anything I can do about it?

Answer: So what is blepharitis? It's an inflammation of the lids. Eyelids can get red. The lid margins where the eyelash comes out of the lid can get encrusted. People can wake up in the morning with goo in their eyes. And it can really affect the ocular surface to give you the symptoms we're talking about.

What you can do about it is a lot. Certainly lid hygiene is a big thing that can help. Things like hot compresses and mild lid scrubs. Even in the shower with a washcloth gently washing the base of the eyelashes, even with a mild detergent soap you could use on the lashes. If that's not quite enough there are commercially prepared detergent products that you can clean the base of the eyelashes. And then you're eye doctor can prescribe drops, ointments and even systemic medication such as tetracycline products that really help with blepharitis.