Blepharitis

If you have red, swollen, and itchy eyelids, seek treatment for blepharitis. At Vistasite Eye Care in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, New York, skilled optometrists and the team offer various treatments for blepharitis, including medications to fight infection and reduce inflammation. Call the New York City office to receive treatment for blepharitis or book an appointment online today.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis causes your eyelids to swell up and become irritated. It occurs when the tiny oil glands along the edge of your eyelids get clogged. 

Blepharitis won’t harm your eyesight, but it can affect your self-esteem and quality of life. Fortunately, various treatments can provide lasting relief.

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Watery eyes
• Red eyes
• Burning, stinging, or itchy eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Eyelids sticking
• Flaking of the skin under the eyes

If you have blepharitis, you might also experience blurred vision that improves with blinking.

Who gets blepharitis?

Anyone can get blepharitis, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Seborrheic dermatitis (eyebrow dandruff)
• Infection
• Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands
• Allergies

You’re also more likely to develop blepharitis if you have dry eyes.

When should I see an eye doctor about blepharitis?

Make an appointment with the Vistasite Eye Care team if you have symptoms of blepharitis and they don’t improve with at-home treatments, like warm compresses and keeping your eyes clean. That’s especially true if you have red, itchy eyes that make it difficult to drive or see.

How is blepharitis diagnosed?

Your Vistasite Eye Care provider reviews your health charts and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if certain activities, like rubbing your eyes, make them worse. Next, they complete an eye exam, using magnifying tools to assess your eyes and eyelids.

Your provider also collects a swab from your eyelid and sends it to a lab for testing. The lab then analyzes it for bacteria, fungi, or evidence of allergies.

How is blepharitis treated?

Treatment of blepharitis depends on the severity of your symptoms. If your eyes are only slightly irritated, the team might recommend self-care, such as warm compresses. If your symptoms continue or worsen, the team might recommend:

• Medications that fight infection
• Medications to control inflammation
• Medications that support the immune system
• Intense pulsed light to unclog oil glands

Sometimes, blepharitis occurs because of an underlying health problem, like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis. If that’s the case, you might benefit from prescription ointments or other topical treatments.

Call Vistasite Eye Care to explore the treatment options for blepharitis, or request an appointment online today.