BLEPHARITIS Information Leaflet

2013

Blepharitis - Pronounced (bleph ! a ! ri ! tis)

What is Blepharitis? Simply put, blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids leading to the symptoms of redness and irritation. Inflammation of the eyelid can result from the build up of normally secreted oils and substances, which form part of the tear film Normal tear film is also composed of elements from the lacrimal gland and the conjunctiva (which lines the white of the eye and the eyelids). When the eyelids become inflamed the normal tear film break down. There are primarily two types of blepharitis Anterior relating to the eyelashes that are not in direct contact with the eye. Debris builds up at the base of the lashes Posterior relating to the (meibomian) glands of the eyelid that secrete the oily component of the tear film and are in direct contact with the eye. Health care professionals can refer this to meibomian gland dysfunction

What causes blepharitis? Build up of debris or change in tear film consistency can be triggered by bacterial infection or skin conditions, including eczema, acne rosecea and Seborrheic dermatitis. Normal wear and tear changes in the eyelids can also lead blepharitis.

What are the symptoms of Blepharitis? Symptoms include Burning Stinging Itching Lid discharge / debris Eye rubbing

What do I do if I feel I have these symptoms? Seek medical attention from appropriate care provider. Information given in this document should not be used to diagnose eye related eye conditions.

What treatments are available for Blepharitis? A stepwise approach to treating blepharitis can be initiated by your care provider. Treatment includes; 1. Lid hygiene Lid hygiene is a method of cleaning / cleansing the eyelids, removing the excess debris that builds up throughout the day and night. The name implies that the eyelids are dirty. On the contrary, the eyelids are producing normal substances, just in the wrong consistency resulting in build up. a. Cleaning of the lid margin Firstly boil approximately a litre of water and allow it to cool. Add one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda or a few drops of tea tree oil. Dip a cotton bud into the water. Gently pull the lower eyelid away from the eye and apply the cotton bud to the margin of the lower eyelid. Sweep along the base of the eyelash to remove excess debris and oils. Throw the cotton bud away. And repeat for the other eye. Repeat day and night.

b. Massage of the eyelid On the closed eye, start at the base of the lower eyelid and roll either a cotton bud or the little finger in an upward motion to manually express stagnant oil along and through the glands. This can then be wiped using the technique of cleaning of the lid margin above. Similarly the upper lid can be attended to, but the time starting at the upper aspect of the eyelid and working in a downward motion.

c. Warm compress of the eye lid Place a clean flannel and place it into warm cool boiled water. Place the flannel on the eye taking care to test the water with the back of the palm beforehand, so as not to scald yourself. Wipe the

eye gently and repeat. You may the repeat the process with the fellow eye. Take care not to share towels! Applicator devices such as the eye bag can be used to deliver heat to the eye. Theses devices can be warmed in the microwave. 2. Diet Omega 3 oils have been found to improve symptoms of try eye and meiobiann gland function. They also have additional health benefits in lowering triglyceride levels and aiding cardiovascular health. These oils are naturally occurring in fish; which include Mackerel Sardines Fresh Tuna Recommended advice is of two portions of fish per week or daily oral over the counter supplementation. Increasing doses should only be undertaken under direct supervision of your general practitioner. 3. Medical Treatments The main stay of treatment includes the use of Lubricating drops, which can help to aid the relief of symptoms by restoring the normal tear film function. There are arrays of lubricating drops and it must be noted that there is no drop that suits everyone. Your doctor may also choose to initiate medical treatment to help ease the burden of blepharitis. This includes a course of antibiotics that helps to reduce the inflammation of the eyelids. Antibiotics can interfere with other medications. Antibiotics may also be contraindicated in patients actively trying to conceive.

Key Points Blepharitis is a condition that can be treated in a stepwise fashion. Treatment includes lid hygiene, diet ameiolaration and medical treatment Whilst treatment settles immediate symptoms, on going background treatment may be required to keep symptoms at bay. Please see associated blepharitis video for description of techniques discussed in this leaflet at care4eyes.co.uk Burton Medical Ltd. Care4eyes