Blepharitis

Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, is a common condition that affects up to 50% of Americans at some point in their lives. At Eye Care & Surgery, our experienced team of ophthalmologists and optometrists offers prompt relief and effective treatment for red, irritated, and inflamed eyelids. We provide expert care at three convenient locations: in Washington Heights, Manhattan; near the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, directly across from Yankee Stadium; and in New Rochelle, just minutes from downtown and near New Rochelle High School. Call your nearest Eye Care & Surgery office today or book your appointment online.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It commonly occurs when the tiny oil glands at the base of both the upper and lower eyelids become clogged. This makes your eyes red and irritated and may become a chronic condition. 

In addition to causing discomfort, blepharitis may make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, but it usually doesn’t cause permanent damage to your vision. Blepharitis isn’t contagious, either. 

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Common signs of blepharitis include:

• Red, watery eyes
• A burning sensation in your eyes
• An oily appearance of your eyelids
• Loss of eyelashes
• Eyelids that stick together
• Sensitivity to light
• Flaking skin around your eyes

You may also feel like you have something in your eye all the time, and blepharitis is a common cause for contact lens discomfort. 

What causes blepharitis?

Blepharitis could be the result of several different underlying causes, including:

• Dry eyes
• Seborrheic dermatitis (eyebrow dandruff)
• Fungal eyelash infection
• Rosacea
• Allergies 
• Parasites in your eyelashes (mites)
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
• Bacterial infection

For many people, dry eye and blepharitis occur at the same time, making it hard to know which one causes the other. 

What treatments relieve blepharitis symptoms?

While there’s no cure for blepharitis, you can control symptoms with treatments from Eye Care & Surgery such as:

• Warm compresses
• Antibiotic ointments
• Oral antibiotics
• Medicated eye drops
• Eyelid scrubs

When should I seek medical treatment for blepharitis symptoms?

If you’ve tried home remedies, but your symptoms linger, your eye doctor at Eye Care & Surgery can determine if you need medical treatment. If you have an underlying condition such as rosacea that’s making your blepharitis worse, getting that under control with effective treatments can help relieve blepharitis symptoms as well.

Seeking treatment can also help you avoid further complications such as styes, chronic “pink eye”, or injury to your cornea. 

Call the Eye Care & Surgery office closest to you, or request an appointment through the online booking system to get the expert blepharitis help you need. 

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