Blepharitis Treatment: An Overview
There is currently no cure for
blepharitis, so treatment involves controlling the condition. In most cases, blepharitis can be controlled by a lifelong commitment to good eyelid hygiene. In certain situations, medications or other treatment options may be considered.
Treatment for both forms of blepharitis involves keeping the lids clean and free of crusts. Warm compresses should be applied to the lid to loosen the crusts. The warm compresses are then followed by a light scrubbing of the eyelid with a cotton swab and a mixture of water and baby shampoo.
Because blepharitis rarely goes away completely, most people must maintain an eyelid hygiene routine for life.
Medications Used to Treat Blepharitis
If the blepharitis is severe, an eye care professional may also prescribe antibiotics or steroid eyedrops.
If the condition is associated with dry eyes, artificial tears (such as Refresh®) four to eight times per day may be recommended as part of a person's blepharitis treatment regimen.
Other Blepharitis Treatment Considerations
When scalp dandruff is present, a dandruff shampoo for the hair is recommended.
In addition to the warm compresses for treating blepharitis, people with posterior blepharitis will need to massage their eyelids to help remove the oil accumulated in the glands.
People who also have acne
rosacea should have that condition treated at the same time they are undergoing treatment for blepharitis.
