West Broward Eyecare Associates
Optometry located in Tamarac, FL
If your eyelids are red, itchy, and flaky, make an appointment at West Broward Eyecare Associates in Tamarac, Florida, to find out if you have blepharitis. Blepharitis is a condition that causes inflammation in your eyelids and uncomfortable symptoms that could lead to blurry vision and cornea damage. Call the practice or schedule an exam online today for expert diagnosis and treatment for blepharitis.
Blepharitis Q & A
Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition that affects your eyelids. There are two types of blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis affects the outside of your eyelids along your eyelash line. Posterior blepharitis affects the inside of your eyelid, which touches your eyeball.
Blepharitis isn’t contagious, but good hygiene can help prevent or control the condition. Blepharitis is uncomfortable, causing symptoms such as:
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Itchy eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Dandruff-like flakes in your eyelashes
- Crusty eyelids, especially in the morning
When left untreated, blepharitis can cause cornea irritation, blurred vision, or a secondary eye infection.
What causes blepharitis?
Many factors can cause blepharitis. For example, anterior blepharitis is often due to bacteria or dandruff. You have billions of bacteria living in your microbiome, but if they overmultiply, it can lead to the infection.
Posterior blepharitis occurs when your eyelids produce too much oil. The excess oil makes your eyelids an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Excessive dandruff and rosacea can also contribute to posterior blepharitis.
How is blepharitis diagnosed?
The team at West Broward Eyecare Associates diagnoses blepharitis during a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist talks to you about your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. They examine your eye, including your skin texture, eyelashes, and eyelid structure and margins with a slit lamp microscope.
Your doctor also evaluates the glands in your eyelids that produce oil and other fluids to moisturize and clean your eye. They might also take a tear sample to check for any other abnormalities.
How is blepharitis treated?
The optometrists at West Broward Eyecare Associates provide customized treatment to address the issue causing your blepharitis as well as relieve your symptoms. Depending on your needs, your eye doctor might recommend special products to clean your eyelids, or prescribe an antibiotic.
You can use warm compresses to loosen crust from your eyelids and unblock your oil glands. You might find that using artificial tears increases your eye comfort. If you wear eye makeup or contact lenses, you should stop using them while you’re treating blepharitis.
Blepharitis sometimes becomes chronic, and you need to take proper steps to care for your eyelids and control your symptoms.
If you’re concerned about blepharitis, call West Broward Eyecare Associates or make an appointment online today.
