Blepharitis (Lid Disease) in Lake Worth, FL

Your upper and lower eyelids have glands on the edges that are critical for tear production. Sometimes, the glands in these areas can get clogged or infected, increasing the risk of experiencing blepharitis or lid disease. This uncomfortable eye condition causes irritation around the margins of your eyelid or on the lash line. Although blepharitis does not cause vision loss, you may encounter several symptoms, such as crustiness, redness, and eyelash reduction. We invite you to schedule an appointment at Palm Beach Eye Center in Lake Worth, FL, if you think you may have lid disease. Our team is dedicated to helping manage your ocular health and providing helpful treatment options.

The symptoms of lid disease will vary from person to person. However, some of the most common symptoms exhibited are:

• Itchy, sore eyelids
• Eyelids sticking together
• Swollen eyelid margins
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Abnormal eyelash growth
• Red and watery eyes

If you are experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms, it may be time to be seen by an optometrist. Connect with a member of our team to be seen by one of our experienced providers.

The benefits of effectively treating blepharitis extend beyond mere symptom relief, significantly enhancing one's quality of life and eye health. By addressing the inflammation and discomfort associated with blepharitis, patients can experience:

• Improved Comfort: Reduction in eyelid irritation, itching, and discomfort
• Enhanced Vision: Clearer vision by minimizing tear film instability and corneal involvement
• Decreased Risk of Complications: Lowered chances of secondary infections or corneal damage
• Better Eyelid Hygiene: Establishing a routine of eyelid hygiene prevents recurrence and promotes overall eye health

Blepharitis can be caused by several factors. Inflammation of the eyelid can develop due to one or more of the following:

• Infection
• Clogged or malfunctioning eyelid oil glands
• Dry eyes
• Eyelash mites or lice
• Rosacea
• Allergic reactions to makeup or contact solutions
• Seborrheic dermatitis: dandruff that affects the scalp and eyebrows

If you need help managing blepharitis or any of the conditions listed above, contact our office to be seen by one of our experienced ophthalmologists.

Blepharitis has several risk factors that can increase its likelihood. These include:

• Having oily skin or dandruff, which can contribute to blocked oil glands and exacerbate inflammation
• Chronic conditions such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, which can affect the skin and eyelid health
• A history of allergies or frequently wear contacts, as these factors can irritate the eyelids and contribute to infection
• Poor eyelid hygiene
• Prolonged exposure to environmental irritants

Blepharitis is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an eye care professional. During the exam, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms, and then closely inspect your eyelids and eyes. They often use a special magnifying instrument to examine the eyelids' structure, the base of the eyelashes, and the oil glands. This examination helps identify signs of inflammation, eyelid margin irregularities, and any blockage of the meibomian glands. In some cases, the doctor might perform additional tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing symptoms similar to blepharitis, such as allergies or skin conditions. They may also take a sample of the eyelid secretions or scrapings from the eyelid to analyze for bacteria, fungi, or evidence of allergy. Through these detailed evaluations, the eye care provider can accurately diagnose blepharitis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

If you are experiencing symptoms of blepharitis that are affecting your everyday life, you may want to seek professional help at Palm Beach Eye Center. The best treatment for your blepharitis may vary depending on the severity of your condition and whether you have chronic blepharitis. Our eye care team in Lake Worth, FL, will evaluate your condition and determine which course of treatment is ideal for your unique needs.

Blepharitis happens because of bacteria at the edges of your lash line or an oil gland problem. Managing the development of natural bacteria can help decrease the chance of the disease reoccurring. Additionally, if you have an oil issue, we will address it during your appointment. Even though this condition does not have a cure, we can control and reduce the symptoms with a few extra steps to your daily routine, including:

• Starting your day with a cleansing regimen: Our eye specialists will ask you to wash your face and eyelids with a gentle cleanser that works well for sensitive skin.
• Using warm compresses: With a clean washcloth, run the cloth under warm water and dampen. Next, apply the compress to your eye. This technique will reduce the chances of blocking your oil glands and get rid of crustiness around the eye.
• Taking antibiotic eye prescriptions: You may receive special oil or eye drops to place on your lash line, which stimulates oil production and reduces other symptoms.

During your consultation, our eye doctors will review your eyes and eyelids, then provide a treatment based on the severity of your blepharitis. Once we have a better idea of your needs, you may receive other at-home treatment techniques or professional treatments.

If I have blepharitis, is it contagious?
No, it is not contagious. Feel free to continue your normal routine without worry.

Can blepharitis make dry eye worse?
Blepharitis happens when you have an overload of bacteria on the eyelids. This can also cause the glands in the eyelids to become blocked. When they are blocked, it can decrease oil production and cause dry eye.

Can I wear eye makeup with blepharitis?
Makeup can worsen bleharitis, so we recommend not wearing any eye makeup until your condition improves. Using makeup products with little to no synthetic parabens and waxes may also be beneficial. If you are seeking blepharitis treatment in Lake Worth, FL, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

What can cause blepharitis to flare up?
Blepharitis can become aggravated in windy winter weather or a heavily air-conditioned environment. This condition can also be triggered by lifestyle factors such as prolonged computer use, contact lens wear, sleep deprivation, and dehydration.

Can blepharitis lead to complications?
Yes, untreated blepharitis can lead to complications like dry eye syndrome, styes, chalazia, and corneal irritation.

Is blepharitis the same as dry eye syndrome?
No, but they are often related. Blepharitis can contribute to dry eye symptoms by affecting the quality of tears.

Although this disease is relatively harmless, blepharitis can create irritating symptoms that hinder your ability to live comfortably. At Palm Beach Eye Center, our Lake Worth, FL, eye doctors provide detailed treatment plans to address lid disease and enhance your overall eye health. Please schedule an appointment with our friendly staff to learn about your options for managing eyelid disease.