Over 82 million people in the U.S. are affected by blepharitis. If you have tired, itchy, burning or dry eyes you could be one of the millions.
Blepharitis is a common inflammation or irritation of your eyelid, typically caused by bacteria related to chronic skin conditions, such as dandruff, skin allergies or eczema.
Typical symptoms include:
The edge of your eyelid becomes red, itchy and irritated
Sores develop on the eyelid, such as a stye or chalazia.
The eyeball itself becomes red, burns and itches
Crust forms on the eyelid and eyelashes overnight
A need to constantly rub the eyes
A film over vision
Fluctuating vision
Severe dry eye disease
Am I at Risk of Blepharitis?
The risk of blepharitis increases as a patient ages. A study by Walter Reed Hospital determined that incidences of blepharitis in the U.S. steadily increase from 3% of 18-20 year olds to a staggering 71% of those over 65. “Most ophthalmologists and optometrists report that blepharitis is commonly seen in their clinical practice in 37% to 47% of their patients, respectively, and it is widely agreed that the meibomian gland dysfunction caused by blepharitis is the most common cause of evaporative dry eye disease.”
Treatment for Blepharitis
Keep your eyelids free from crust by cleaning them with a mild soap such as a baby shampoo
Applying antibiotic ointment, or in more serious cases taking an antibiotic medication
Although blepharitis may heal on its own, prolonged irritation or inflammation does not need to occur.
BlephEX® Treatment is Available at Danada Vision Center
BlephEX® is a new, in-office procedure that allows your eye doctor to thoroughly and precisely eliminate the scurf and bacterial debris and biofilm that builds up along the lid margin.
Properly performed, BlephEX® will reduce or alleviate these chronic and debilitating symptoms. Treatments are typically repeated at regular monthly intervals depending on severity of the disease.
By eliminating the inflammatory etiology of blepharitis, the overall health of the eyelid is improved. Patients can then begin to produce more of their own tears and finally enjoy a life free from the chronic and irritating symptoms associated with blepharitis and its subsequent dry eye disease.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of blepharitis, visit www.danadavisioncenter.com to make an appointment for an eye exam.
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