Blepharitis Treatment and Prevention with Our Columbia Optometrist Team
Red, irritated, and itchy eyes are uncomfortable and embarrassing. At Eyes On The Lake, our Columbia optometrist team can help you understand the cause of your discomfort and provide personalized treatment so you can heal and protect your long-term eye health.
A common cause of eye irritation that we diagnose and treat is blepharitis. Read on to learn more.
What Is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis means eyelid inflammation. The condition can develop on the inner edge of the eyelid (posterior blepharitis) or where the eyelashes attach to the eyelid (anterior blepharitis). Blepharitis is common and is usually caused by an excess build-up of bacteria on the eyelids. Some people develop blepharitis because of clogged or irritated oil glands near the eyelids.
Anyone can develop blepharitis, but people with certain skin conditions, including rosacea, oily skin, or dandruff, may be at greater risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Blepharitis
If you have blepharitis, you may experience:
- Dry eyes
- Watery discharge or foamy tears from the eyes
- Itchiness, burning, and stinging in the eyes
- A gritty feeling in the eye, or the sensation that something is stuck in your eye
- Red and swollen eyelids
- Increased sensitivity to light
- A crusty residue on eyelashes and eyelids
Blepharitis is not contagious and usually does not cause long-term vision or eye health problems. However, untreated cases of blepharitis may lead to more serious issues including blurry vision, eyelashes that fall out or grow in the wrong direction, styes (red painful bumps on the eyelid caused by blocked oil glands), corneal abrasions, and swelling in other areas of the eye.
Treating and Preventing Blepharitis with Our Columbia Optometrist Team
Only a qualified eye doctor can diagnose blepharitis and rule out other conditions that look similar. At Eye On The Lake, Columbia optometrist Dr. Matthew Daniels offers comprehensive and customized blepharitis treatment, with services including:
- Oral or topical antibiotics to heal bacterial infections
- Medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Artificial tears to soothe dry eye
- Updated prescription eyewear (this is especially important for individuals who normally use contact lenses but can only tolerate eyeglasses until their condition resolves)
There are also things you can do to help manage or prevent blepharitis: always wash your hands before and after touching your eyes, use warm compresses for pain relief, manage other underlying skin conditions, and maintain a consistent eye cleansing routine.
Looking For Quality Eye Care in Columbia, SC?
With an eye on long-term vision health and a commitment to providing premier optometry in Columbia, SC, our team is ready to help you or your loved one heal from blepharitis. Contact us today at (803) 233-1774 to schedule an eye exam.