What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, is a common eye condition that can cause significant discomfort, often resulting in redness, itching, and swelling, and chronic styes. This condition can be caused by Demodex mites, bacterial infections, skin conditions like rosacea, or malfunctioning oil glands in the eyelids. At Pro Eye Care, located in Greenwich, CT, and Darien, CT, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the root cause of blepharitis to help you achieve optimal eye health.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
Common symptoms include:
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Itchy eyelids
- Crusty debris at the base of the eyelashes
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Contact lens intolerance
- Flaking skin around the eyes
- Greasy-looking eyelids
- Gritty feeling (like something’s in your eye)
- Red eyes
- Tears that appear to be foamy or have bubbles in them
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
Causes of Blepharitis
Blepharitis can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Bacterial infection: Everyone has bacteria on their skin, but some people have higher amounts around their eyelashes. This excess bacteria can cause the skin to flake. When this happens, it may be referred to as staphylococcal blepharitis (or staph blepharitis), named after the staphylococcal bacteria responsible for it.
- Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)
- Demodex mites: It may sound surprising, but everyone has tiny mites living in their eyelash follicles. While they are usually harmless, in rare cases, these mites can multiply excessively and lead to blepharitis.
- Rosacea
- Allergies
- Malfunctioning oil glands
Effective Blepharitis Treatment
Managing blepharitis effectively requires a comprehensive treatment plan. At Pro Eye Care, we treat the root cause by offering a range of treatments tailored to your specific needs, including:
- Prescription eye drops or ointments
- Specialized eyelid scrubs and washes
- Warm compresses
- OptiLIIGHT (Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy
Complications of Blepharitis
Sometimes, blepharitis can lead to other problems, such as:
- Stye: A painful bump on the eyelid resulting from an infection in the eyelid’s oil glands, 91% of these are a result of Demodex mite infestation.
- Chalazion: A non-infectious bump on the eyelid caused by blocked oil glands.
- Chronic Eye Redness: Persistent redness in the eyes due to blepharitis.
- Dry Eyes: Accumulation of flakes and oil in the tear film can interfere with tear production, leading to dry eye syndrome.
- In rare cases, blepharitis can cause more serious issues, including:
- Eyelashes growing in abnormal directions
- Loss of eyelashes
- Swelling or damage to other parts of the eye, such as the cornea.
- Blurry vision
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are experiencing symptoms of blepharitis, it’s important to seek professional care. At Pro Eye Care in Greenwich, CT, and Darien, CT, we are dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans to manage and alleviate your symptoms. Contact us today 203.202.0202 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better eye health.
Discover expert blepharitis treatment at Pro Eye Care in Greenwich and Darien, CT. We offer personalized care for red eyes, styes, and other eye conditions.