Topic Overview
One of the most
common eye problems in older adults is a skin condition called
blepharitis. It is often caused by bacteria (usually
staphylococcus) or related to a long-term (chronic) skin condition, such as
dandruff, skin allergies, or eczema. If you have blepharitis, you are more
likely to get
styes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of blepharitis include redness,
irritation, itchiness, and scaliness at the edges of the eyelids. The scales
may be dry or greasy. Also, eyelashes may fall out.
Examinations and Tests
To diagnose this condition, the
doctor will examine your eye, eyelid, and eyelashes with an
instrument called an ophthalmoscope.
Treatment Overview
Blepharitis often requires
treatment. You may need to take antibiotics for some types of blepharitis. Call
your doctor if:
- Your eye is painful or there is swelling or
redness extending beyond the lid margins.
- The problem is not
improving after 1 week of home treatment.
Home Treatment
Regular hygiene can help you avoid
blepharitis and prevent recurrences. Wash your
eyelids, eyebrows, and hair daily with baby shampoo.
To wash your
eyelids, put a few drops of shampoo in a cup of water, and dip a cotton ball,
cotton swab, or soft face cloth in the solution. With your eyes closed, gently
wipe each eyelid about 10 times horizontally away from your nose, across the
lashes. Rinse well with clear water before opening your eyes.
Or, if you take a shower, let warm water from the showerhead
run over your closed eyes for a minute. Then put a few drops of shampoo on a
face cloth and use it to scrub the lashes similar to the cotton ball method.
Rinse the shampoo away.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| Canadian Ophthalmological Society |
| 610-1525 Carling Avenue |
| Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9 |
| Email: | cos@eyesite.ca |
| Web Address: | www.eyesite.ca/english/index.htm |
| |
The Canadian Ophthalmological Society is an association
of eye doctors dedicated to helping the public take good care of their eyes and
vision. This group provides educational information on eye conditions and
diseases and eye safety. |
|
| EyeSmart |
| P.O. Box 7424 |
| San Francisco, CA 94120-7424 |
| Phone: | (415) 447-0213 |
| Fax: | (415) 561-8533 |
| Email: | eyesmart@aao.org |
| Web Address: | www.geteyesmart.org |
| |
EyeSmart is a public information Web site provided by
the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It provides general information and
brochures on eye conditions and diseases and low-vision resources and
services. |
|
| National Eye Institute, National Institutes of
Health |
| Information Office |
| 31 Center Drive MSC 2510 |
| Bethesda, MD 20892-2510 |
| Phone: | (301) 496-5248 |
| Email: | 2020@nei.nih.gov |
| Web Address: | www.nei.nih.gov |
| |
As part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the National Eye
Institute provides information on eye diseases and vision research.
Publications are available to the public at no charge. The Web site includes
links to various information resources. |
|
References
Other Works Consulted
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (2008). Blepharitis. Preferred Practice Patterns. San Francisco: American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available online: http://one.aao.org/CE/PracticeGuidelines/PPP_Content.aspx?cid=080ac46b-ea4d-4556-893a-2a63ba87ffcd.
- Jackson WB (2008). Blepharitis: Current strategies for diagnosis and management. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 43(2): 170–179. Also available online: http://article.pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/RPAS/rpv?hm=HInit&calyLang=eng&journal=cjo&volume=43&afpf=i08-016.pdf.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology |
|---|
| Last Revised | April 13, 2011 |
|---|
