All content by Dr Jason Morris.  No AI generated content

Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids.  There are different causes/types of the inflammation detailed below but all generally create symptoms like excessive tearing, eyelid flaking, lash crusting and eye irritation. 

Blepharitis is usually bilateral (both eyes lids) and it is common to have multiple concurrent causes.  

Conditions like dry-eye, styes, acne rosacea and lash problems often occur along with blepharitis so treatments can be multifaceted.  Blepharitis is not precisely an infection of the lids but rather the lid response (that could be to an infection).  It is often chronic and requires ongoing maintenance level treatment once under control.  Even if under control, several flare-ups (requiring more aggressive intervention) throughout a year are common.

The following is a simplified guide to the types of blepharitis.   See your eye care professional to help diagnose your situation.   The following is not medical advice but general information how our clinic categories and treats blepharitis.

  Seborrheic Blepharitis: Lids flake causing itchiness and eye irritation/tearing as material gets into eyes

Typical Treatment:

EARLY: Increased diligence of lid care.  Use baby shampoo on lids and lashes daily.  Use eye drops such as I-Drop MGD or HYLO DUAL at least 2X per day.   

ADVANCED:  Use Lid n' Lash cleaner/skin conditioner to lids and lashes nightly.  Leave on overnight as well as I-Drop MGD or HYLO DUAL at least 2X per day.   

MAINTENANCE: Use Blephagel 2-3 times per week.  Blephagel is effective and is not a steroid.   Use a hypochlorous spray throughout the day.

   Bacterial Blepharitis: Infection causing inflammation – usually responds to standard treatment and/or antibiotics.  Important to see your eye care professional!

EARLY: Increased diligence of lid care.  Use baby shampoo on lids and lashes daily.  Use eye drops such as I-Drop MGD or HYLO DUAL at least 2X per day.   

ADVANCED: Clean lids and lashes with Blephaclean medicated pads.  Use once or twice daily depending on severity/need.

ADVANCED PLUS+:    Topical and/or oral antibiotics are required to clear the bacterial infection (prescription required).  The decision to prescribe these medications is generally considered only after other forms of treatment are tried.

MAINTENANCE: Use Blephagel 3-4 times per week.  Blephagel is effective and is not a steroid.  Use a hypochlorous spray throughout the day.


 

   Demodex Blepharitis: Infection of lash roots causing lid margin irritation – does not respond to antibiotics

(No early stage)
ADVANCED:    Recommended treatment is daily Tea tree oil lid care pads or foam.  I recommend Lid 'n Las Plus or Blephadex.  Warning – tea tree treatment oil is very intense.  Follow treatment instructions exactly and completely to avoid discomfort.  Blephadex adds coconut oil to minimize treatment irritation.

MAINTENANCE  Use Blephadex 2-3 times per week.

   Meibomian Blepharitis (MGD – Meibomian Gland Dysfunction): Clogged oil glands along lid margins causing irritation and dry-eye

Treatment of meibomian blepharitis is the same as “Lipid Deficiency” dry eye.  Please refer to dry eye information for our treatment protocol.


 

   Rosacea Blepharitis:  Associated with Acne Rosacea skin condition.  Causes dry eye and ocular irritation.

Rosacea Blepharitis treatment can be complex.  Typically, a combination of Meibomian and Demodex Blepharitis treatments are used.  Rosacea is also often currently treated with oral tetracycline-type oral medications.  Options should be discussed with you eye care professional. 

All forms of Blepharitis respond to the positive antimicrobial, cleaning and refreshing benefits of Hypochlorous Spray.  Use regularly throughout the day for fast relief and positive therapeutic benefit.

Continue reading more Blepharitis information from mEYEspa

Looking for product recommendations?   Try the mEYEspa product guidance quiz