What is Blepharitis and How is it Treated?
Taking care of your eyes is an essential part of your health. If you live in the Houston, TX, area, and you’re looking for an optometry office near you, our team at Eye Site would like to help you care for your eyes. Whether you need a routine eye exam or have visual problems, our team has a full range of eye care services available.
What is Blepharitis?
If you have itchy, watery, and swollen eyes, you may have blepharitis. This condition is caused when oil glands on the edges of the eyelids become blocked and cause redness and itchiness. You may also have blurry vision or experience sensitivity to light.
If blepharitis is left untreated for an extended time, your eyelids may develop scars. Your eyelids can turn inward or outward. You may have an excess of tears because mucus and oily secretions can build up and flow from your eyes.
What Complications Can Occur?
One of the possible complications of blepharitis is called a stye. Styes are painful lumps found at the base of your eyelid. Another common complication can be conjunctivitis, also called pinkeye. Pinkeye is frequently found in children and causes redness and drainage of pus from their eyelids.
Another type of infected lump found on the eyelid due to blepharitis is called a chalazion. This condition is caused by a severe blockage of one of the oil glands on the eyelid. The blockage can occur just behind the eyelid. The eyelid becomes red and swollen.
What Can an Eye Doctor Do about Blepharitis?
One way to relieve blepharitis is to clean your eyelids with a mixture of baby shampoo and water. Always wash your hands before and after you clean your eyelids. There is also a new in-office blepharitis treatment available, called Blephex. This treatment exfoliates your eyelashes and removes any debris along the edges of your eyelids.
When a client has blepharitis, our doctor might also prescribe eye drops. We may also ask you to use a warm compress on your eyelids. If the condition doesn’t clear up, you may need to continue washing your eyelids for the rest of your life.
Call Us for an Appointment Today
If you’re in Houston, TX, or live in nearby Katy or Memorial areas, and you wonder, “Where can I find an optometrist near me?” the optometrists at Eye Site are ready to help you with blepharitis or any other eye care needs. Our optometrists and staff in our offices in Houston, Katy, and Memorial, TX, have years of experience to share with you and your family. Call us today for an appointment - and see what you can see.