Bay Area Ophthalmologists Explains Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a very common condition, characterized by inflammation at the base of the eyelid. Blepharitis is a symptom that can be caused by many factors, including a bacterial or fungal infection, parasitic eyelash mites, dysfunction of the meibomian gland at the side of the eye, or simply chronically dry eyes. Often, blepharitis occurs at the same time as another skin or eye condition, such as ocular rosacea, psoriasis, or pink eye.
If you're suffering from blepharitis in the greater Bay Area, visit one of Spectrum Eye's offices; we have optometrists and ophthalmologists working at six different locations throughout San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz, who can perform a thorough eye exam to determine the exact cause of and best treatment for blepharitis.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
Patients with blepharitis most commonly experience an uncomfortable burning sensation, excessive tears, itchy eyes, and the "foreign body sensation" where it feels like something is stuck in the eye, and a buildup of crusty debris at the base of the eyelashes.
Treatment Options for Blepharitis
Fortunately, blepharitis is relatively easy to treat. For milder cases, patients can usually find great relief by simply compressing a warm, wet washcloth against their eyelids and holding it there for at least one minute. Other patients may need to scrub their eyelids on a specific regimen with either prescription or over-the-counter cleansing scrubs.
For more serious cases, patients may require antibiotic eye drops or ointments, or an in-office procedure that can provide the most effective treatment by destroying the greatest possible amount of bacteria, parasites, or biofilm.
Often, the most important factor in avoiding blepharitis is maintaining good hygiene in order to prevent the buildup of bacteria, biofilm, or other causes. Patients whose blepharitis is caused by chronically dry eyes may need to begin using eye drops.
When You Should Consult Your Eye Doctor
If you've experienced blepharitis symptoms for a few days and they're getting worse rather than better, and the warm washcloth treatment and thorough washing aren't helping very much, then it's time to see an eye doctor. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can help you identify exactly what's causing your specific case, and will not only treat the immediate symptoms but also ensure that you understand how to best prevent the condition from returning.
Contact Your Leading Bay Area Eye Care Physicians for More Information
Spectrum Eye is one of the Bay Area's premier eye care clinics, with six offices throughout the area to help serve the entire community. Our team of six doctors and three optometrists provides a wide variety of services and can help with virtually any eye condition. Call us today at 408-884-2215 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.