TREATMENT OF BLEPHARITIS

1.Hot compresses

2.Eyelid massage

3.Cleaning of eyelid margins

1.HOT COMPRESSES

Hold a comfortably hot wet face washer or flannel against the closed eyelids for 2 to 5 minutes.

This melts the oils in the blocked meibomian glands.

2.LID MASSAGE

Using a clean finger, or cotton buds, firmly stroke the skin of the lids towards the eyelashes.

i.e.  downwards for top lid and upwards for bottom lid.

This helps unblock the meibomian glands and expresses the oils.

3.CLEANING

Clean away any crusts on the eyelid margins (edges) particularly around the roots of the eye lashes using fresh cotton buds dipped in either:

Cooled, boiled water only (recommended)

OR sodium bicarbonate solution (see below)

OR diluted baby shampoo (see below)

OR use commercially available wipes or solutions e.g.  Sterilid (Theratears) or Lidcare (Novartis).

Important notes:

Do not dip a used cotton bud into your cleaning solution

Do not clean inside the eyelids or touch the eye itself

Always use fresh cotton buds for each eye.

Blepharitis and Dry Eyes often co-exist

1. • Mild dry eye: use bottled lubricants as required:e.g.  Systane, Genteal, Refresh tears plus..
   

1. • Moderate dry eye: use lubricants at least 3-4 times a day; consider preservative free.
   

1. • Severe dry eye: use preservative free drops such as Bion tears, Cellufresh, Theratears, Systane Pres Free, Celluvisc at least 4 times a day, in addition to a night time ointment such as Polyvisc or Lacrilube.
   

Other strategies for dry eyes: Wear wrap around sunglasses to reduce wind and sun exposure, avoid air conditioning or dry heating, consider if your medications are making your dry eyes worse.  Think about a humidifier for your home or office. 

There may be other options for severe dry eyes if adequate comfort is not achieved.  Dr. Lewis can advise you on these.