Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. This may occur from irritations and allergies, insect bites, infections, etc. Blepharitis may vary from a chronic, mild condition to a severe form with ulceration of the lids and damage to the eyes.

The typical symptoms may include the following:

• Itching, swelling, redness, scaling and crusting of the lashes
• Blepharitis is often accompanied by styes and chalarions.

Conventional treatment depends on the specific type and severity of Blepharitis. Mild specific may only require warm soaking and daily lid hygiene. Diluted baby shampoo may be used for cleansing of the lids. Other varieties of Blepharitis may require antibiotics and/or cortisone cream , or even oral antibiotics, any of which should only be used under medical supervision.

Self Help:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Apply a warm, wet washcloth as a compress to the affected area and hold it in place until cool. Repeat this 3 to 4 times a day.
• Use a commercial lid "scrub" or baby shampoo on a cotton swab to wash your lids.
• Caster oil: (fresh and from the health food store) - place a small bit on a q-tip and apply to the inner lower lid margin.
• Honey: same application as with caster oil. Thin with spring water to reduce stinging.
This can be done while doing the "Sunning" eye exercise (see "free eye exercise booklet" on homepage) because it really brings on tearing. Honey is antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antiviral.
• Salt and baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon of salt + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 cup of warm water. Dip finger in the mixture and rub on eye lid margins with eyes closed. Once in the morning and once at night before bed.