Blepharitis

Diagnosis of Blepharitis

Diagnosing blepharitis usually involves a careful examination of your eyelids and eyes.

• Examining Your Eyes:

  • Your healthcare professional may use a magnifying instrument to inspect your eyelids and eyes closely.

• Laboratory Tests:

  • In some cases, a swab is taken from the eyelid oil or crust for bacterial testing.

  • Eyelashes may be examined under a microscope to detect excess eyelash mites.

• Response to Treatments:

  • Improvement with standard treatments generally confirms the diagnosis.

  • If symptoms persist, especially in one eye, additional tests may check for eyelid skin cancer or immune-system disorders. Signs may include eyelash loss or scarring on the conjunctiva (the eye’s surface).

Treatment of Blepharitis

Blepharitis often requires a combination of self-care and prescription treatments.

• Self-Care Measures:

  • Regularly wash your eyelids and use warm compresses.

  • Daily eyelid cleaning can help manage chronic symptoms.

• Prescription Medicines:

  • Antibiotics: Eye drops, creams, ointments, or oral antibiotics may relieve bacterial-related symptoms.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Medicines: Steroid eye drops or ointments are used when other treatments are ineffective.

  • Immune-Modulating Medicines: Cyclosporine eye drops (Restasis, Cequa, others) can reduce some signs and symptoms.

• Treating Underlying Conditions:

  • Conditions like dandruff or rosacea may need to be managed to improve blepharitis symptoms.

• Chronic Management:

  • Blepharitis is rarely fully cured. Even with successful treatment, ongoing eyelid care is often necessary.