What is Blepharitis and How Can It Be Treated?
BLEPHARITIS RESTON
Sore, red eyelids and crusting in the lashes are all symptoms of blepharitis, a fairly common eye condition according to leading eye experts.
So, what causes this inflammation of the eyelids, and how can it be treated? Keep reading to learn all about blepharitis, including at-home and professional remedies in Reston, VA.
WHAT IS BLEPHARITIS?
Blepharitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids. It can cause patients discomfort and is often associated with redness, swelling, and crusting in lashes.
WHAT CAUSES BLEPHARITIS?
An overgrowth of bacteria is a leading cause of this eye concern. In fact, when bacteria inhabit the eyelid margins and the base of the lashes, it creates a biofilm.
This biofilm then results in a toxic environment that attracts eyelash mites (Demodex) that feed on bacteria. All of this allows the mites to multiply and produce inflammation of the eyelids.
In addition, the biofilms bacteria can release exotoxins that inflame oil-secreting glands in the eyelids and produce Meibomian gland dysfunction.
Other causes include dry eyes and a fungal eyelid infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Blepharitis often presents with burning or stinging eyes, crusty build-up at the base of eyelashes, itchy lids, irritated, watery eyes, and the feeling of grit or a foreign body being caught in the eyes.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
To start, a gentle eyelid scrub, as directed by your doctor, can help to remove biofilm and bacteria from lid margins. Medicated eye drops/and or ointments may also be prescribed to eradicate remaining microbes.
Additionally, it can be treated in office with electromechanical lid margin debridement to remove mites, bacteria, and biofilm or thermal pulsation treatment that clears out the Meibomian glands.
Lastly, IPL (intense pulsed light) can be performed to unclog oils glands in eyelids and restore their normal flow.
For additional information about blepharitis treatment in Reston, VA, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation.