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Blepharitis (Blef-a-ri'tis) is an inflammation of the eyelids, generally caused by a bacterial
infection within the eyelid glands and hair follicles. Blepharitis
is a common condition. It requires treatment when it gets out of control.
When out of control there is the obvious appearance of dandruff-like or
crusty granular matter on the eye lashes, particularly at their base. Other
symptoms may also include a foreign-body (scratchy) sensation, dry eyes or
red eyes. The oil
and sweat glands of the eyelids produce substances that help to maintain the
integrity of the eye tissue. The lid margins contain numerous gland openings.
When make-up, dirt and dead cells cover these small openings, the glands
cannot release their contents. This causes them to be inflamed and often infected.Eyelid scrubs remove this accumulated material
from the lid margins. Warm
compresses are essential to soften the debris for easier removal. In order to
be effective compresses must be applied at regular intervals and for a
minimum of 10 minutes. The warmth of the compresses also helps to soften the
impacted (plugged) gland contents. Warm
compresses should be applied in either of the following manners: 1. Wrap a washcloth around a wooden
soupspoon. Yes, a wooden soupspoon. Wood is an insulator and it helps to
retain the heat of the washcloth. The shape fits nicely around the eye as
well. Warm the wash cloth/spoon combination under warm water. The temperature
of the compress should be comfortable to clench with your hand. 2. Apply the wooden
"eyecup", with the warm washcloth around it, against the closed eyelid . Keep the compress in this position until it feels
too cool, and then re-heat it under the warm water (#2 above). Re-apply the
compresses for a total of no less than ten minutes on each eye. Two
compresses will save time; use one for each eye simultaneously. OR 1. Boil and egg. Wrap the hard boiled egg in a wet warm wash cloth to create the
warm compress. 2. Apply the compress against the
closed eyelids for no less than 10 minutes on each eye. Two compresses will
save time; use one for each eye simultaneously. ·
Apply a small amount of CibaVision Lid Care
to a washcloth, or to a small gauze pad. This product is also available in
individually packaged pre-moistened towelettes. In
the absence of Lid Care, a mixture of 1 part Johnson's Baby Shampoo with 3
parts water will do. With the washcloth (or pad) draped over your index
finger, lightly (not delicately) scrub the lather over the lid margins to
remove the debris. DO NOT OVER SCRUB. This procedure will be repeated for
several days in succession. What doesn't scrub away today will be looser by
tomorrow. Rinse with warm water. ·
Gently massage the lids towards the margins (the upper lid downwards,
and the lower lid upwards) to express the unwanted contents of the lids. Do
not squeeze the lids. Rinse again to remove the material expressed from the
glands. ·
Pat dry. ·
Apply a thin smear of Polysporin Eye
Ointment to the lid margins. This is an antibiotic available over the counter
in every drugstore in Toronto. Use only the eye ointment. ·
Repeat for a total of 3 times/day until signs and
symptoms resolve. There should be a marked improvement within 3 days,
and continued improvement over the week. As the condition improves, the
frequency of compresses, scrubs and ointment required will be less.
Eventually, chronic blepharitis can be maintained
without compresses, using nightly wipes instead of scrubs. The necessity for
the ointment will also decrease. If this is not the case, please telephone
our office for a re-evaluation. Our
Mission ...to provide quality eye care in a courteous and prompt
fashion. Our Motto Eye Care. We Care. Talk to us ™ Our Team Dr. Brian S. Feldman, Optometrist Dr. Angela De Berardis, Associate Optometrist Dr. Reena Sud,
Associate Optometrist Tanya, Front Office Coordinator Wendy, Optometric Assistant - Dispensary Shelby, Associate Optometric Assistant Contact
Information Telephone (416) 763-2020 FAX (416) 766-6005 Electronic
mail General Information: doctorfeldman@doctorfeldman.com Appointment Information: JunctionOptometrists@rogers.com |
