Revision Optix

Optometrists and Vision Therapy Centers located in Simpsonville, SC & Greenville, SC

Blepharitis can be itchy and uncomfortable and put a damper on your day. Fortunately, well-informed optometrists Sean M. Stevens, OD, and Tiffany Brawner, OD, work diligently to determine what’s causing your blepharitis and find appropriate and effective solutions at ReVision Optix with two convenient offices, in Greenville and Simpsonville, South Carolina. Don’t let frustrating, itchy, and swollen blepharitis impair your vision. Protect your eye health by calling ReVision Optix or booking online today.

Blepharitis Q & A

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis refers to the inflammation of the eyelids that typically involves the part of your eyelid where the eyelashes grow. Blepharitis usually affects both eyelids.

Blepharitis can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t typically cause permanent damage to your eyesight and it isn’t contagious.

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

The symptoms of blepharitis include:

  • Watery and red eyes
  • Itchy eyelids
  • Swollen and red eyelids
  • A burning, gritty, or stinging sensation in the eyes
  • Flaky skin around the eyes
  • Crusted eyelashes when waking
  • Eyelid sticking
  • Light sensitivity

You might also experience abnormally growing eyelashes and/or a loss of eyelashes.

What causes blepharitis?

The exact cause of blepharitis isn’t definitive and can be associated with various factors, such as:

  • Seborrheic dermatitis — dandruff of the eyebrows and scalp
  • A bacterial infection
  • Malfunctioning or clogged oil glands in your eyelids
  • Rosacea — a skin condition involving facial redness
  • Eyelash lice or mites

Blepharitis might also be caused by allergies, such as allergic reactions to contact lens solutions, eye medications, or eye makeup. It’s important to visit ReVision Optix for evaluation since in some cases, blepharitis can be caused by a localized eyelid cancer.

Blepharitis can cause complications, such as scarring of the eyelids, excess tearing or dry eyes, chronic pink eye, and eyelid edges that turn inward or outward. Blepharitis can also cause a sore (ulcer) to form on your cornea.

How is blepharitis treated?

Your optometrist examines your eyelids and eyes and might swab your skin to collect a sample of the crust or oil that forms on your eyelids to be analyzed for fungi, bacteria, or evidence of an allergy.

To treat your blepharitis, your optometrist might recommend:

  • Self-care measures, such as using warm compresses and washing your eyes
  • Medications to fight infection, such as antibiotics available in various forms like eye drops, creams, ointments, and pills
  • Medications to control inflammation, such as steroid ointments or eye drops
  • Medications that affect your immune system and relieve symptoms, such as topical cyclosporine
  • Treating underlying conditions, such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis

Blepharitis is often chronic and requires daily attention, such as eyelid scrubs and creams.

Your optometrist might suggest nutritional supplements like fatty acids to boost your eye health or including more healthy fatty acids in your diet from foods like fish and walnuts.

ReVision Optix also offers BlephEx® — a groundbreaking treatment for blepharitis where your optometrist uses a handpiece that spins a medical grade micro-sponge along the edge of your lashes and eyelids to remove debris and scurf and exfoliate your eyelids.

If you’re suffering from blepharitis, call ReVision Optix or book online.

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