What Are the Treatments for Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)?

Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, is inflammation of the oil glands along the eyelid margin. It is relatively common and occurs more frequently at older ages.

The standard treatment and preventive approach is cleaning the eye with special wipes available at pharmacies without a prescription. Consistent use can relieve symptoms and even prevent them. The wipes help remove discharge caused by inflammation and the discomfort that occurs when it comes into contact with the eye. Various clinical studies show that this is effective in improving inflammation and relieving its symptoms.

Another treatment is placing warm compresses over the inflamed area. Their warmth melts the fluids blocking the eye's oil glands, allowing them to drain easily.

In other cases, artificial tear drops may also help. They support eye health in blepharitis. This is a very common and widely accepted treatment, but its effectiveness has not yet been conclusively demonstrated.

What about more severe cases of blepharitis?

Medications and drops can also be effective for severe inflammation along the eyelid margin, particularly ointments combining antibiotics and steroids. Blepharitis is not an infectious disease and therefore is not contagious. However, bacterial growth increases in this inflammatory condition, which is why antibiotics are also used.

In particularly severe cases, intensive treatment with oral antibiotics is sometimes given every few months for six weeks.

Another treatment for chronic inflammation is IPL, in which intense flashes of light are applied to the oil glands along the lower eyelid margin. Studies have shown that this improves the quality of the oil secreted by the glands and reduces the tendency toward chronic inflammation in people with blepharitis. Symptoms will also usually be reduced for many months.

Another option is cleaning the eyelid margin, which provides relief from blepharitis symptoms for several months. When the eyelid glands are especially blocked and inflammation is particularly severe, the doctor can scrub the eyelid margin with a special brush and express its contents using special forceps. This deep cleaning can greatly improve the condition. It is not painful at all and is very quick. People with chronic inflammation are usually advised by their doctor to have this cleaning every few months.

When is surgery needed to treat blepharitis?

In most cases, blepharitis does not require surgery. However, surgical intervention may be necessary when complications such as an eyelid abscess develop. In some cases, the treating doctor can clean the blocked glands by applying mechanical pressure.

For more information: Eye Doctor website

This is general news information and is not a substitute for personal advice from a doctor or dietitian.