What is blepharitis?

Published on

July 7, 2022

According to a survey of ophthalmologists and optometrists in the US, 37% to 47% of the patients surveyed had signs of blepharitis.

Before we discuss how to treat blepharitis, let's define what it is. Before we discuss how to treat blepharitis, let's define what it is. Blepharitis is a chronic condition that causes eyelid inflammation. It is normal for your eyelashes to contain a small amount of bacteria, but when the amount of bacteria increases, that can result in eyelid inflammation and toxins building up, resulting in blepharitis.

What are the common symptoms of blepharitis?

This can result in various symptoms such as:

Dry eyes
Irritation
A foreign body sensation
Crusting
Redness
Tearing

It affects your tear glands and decreases tear production. This is why you may experience symptoms of dry eyes.

What are the different treatment options for blepharitis?

Lid scrubs - To start, you must make sure that your lids are clean and hygienic. It's important to clean your lashes, and there are several lip scrubs available for you to do that. OCuSOFT lid scrubs are one of the most popular ones.
BlephEx - Another treatment option is to use a blephEx machine. Basically, it is a micro sponge that is used to clean and exfoliate the eyelids to try to improve your tear quality and production.
Antibiotic ointment - If the blepharitis is severe enough, the eye doctor may also prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye drops to help treat the bacterial infection or they may prescribe you a steroid eye drop or ointment that reduces inflammation.
Dry eye medications - You may be prescribed restasis or xiidra by your eye doctor if you suffer from severe dry eyes caused by blepharitis; these prescription medications control the inflammation associated with dry eyes.

Treating an underlying condition

Blepharitis may also be caused by an underlying condition such as seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea. In that case, your eye doctor will treat the underlying condition causing the blepharitis. No matter what the case may be, it's important to visit your eye doctor so they can diagnose, manage, and then treat your issue accurately.

Contact us! Schedule a dry eye evaluation in Manhattan.

If you or your loved one is experiencing the above mentioned symptoms then you may be suffering from blepharitis and an eye examination may be necessary. The advanced technology we use in our practice helps to provide our patients with the highest quality of eye care. To schedule a dry eye exam contact us at (212) 752-6930.

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At Amplify with Dr Wernick I was seeking help for seemingly intractable, probably age-related dryness. I've seen other doctors about it, and that has been helpful, but what he explained to me about it and the careful way he answered all my questions gave me so much more of a clear understanding of what is going on (and is not) that I am more able to implement all his and others' recommendations than I was before. And he gave me additional resources for further follow-up. I am most grateful.

Cynthia Norton
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Steve Fay
Dr. Kavner is a gifted diagnostician and orthoptic therapist. He treated me several decades ago for a condition similar to dyslexia. I was having migraines five times per week. I worked with him for about a year and I experienced tremendous improvement (down to 3-4 per year) that has lasted.

Mary K.
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!

Peter G.
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!

Kinkie F.