Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins, causing redness, irritation, itching and crusting of the eyelashes. Blepharitis can be caused by microbes or rosacea. It affects people of all ages, but is more common in old age.
The edges of the eyelids are made up of small glands that produce the fat necessary for good quality tears. The fat prevents the tears from evaporating too quickly from the surface of the eye.
In blepharitis, the fat in the glands is rigid and not fluid. It remains blocked, creating inflammation at the edge of the eyelids. The tears do not have enough fat, are of poor quality and evaporate too quickly. The result is dry eyes.
The best way to treat blepharitis is to keep the eyelids clean and free of scabs. It is advisable to stop using make-up.
In the case of a bacterial infection, an antibiotic ointment may also be prescribed, and for dry eyes, your ophthalmologist may prescribe artificial tears.
Treating blepharitis
Start by applying compresses that are as warm as possible for 10 minutes to your closed eyelids. There are also masks that can be heated in the microwave. The aim is to soften the crusts and fluidify the abnormally solid oily secretions contained in the glands
Next, gently massage the upper and lower eyelids, making small circles very close to the eyelashes. From top to bottom for the upper eyelids and from bottom to top for the lower eyelids.
Finally, rinse the eye with saline solution. Finish by caring for the edge of the eyelids with a cleansing wipe or special ointment.