Blepharitis FAQs

Blepharitis is an eye condition that is associated with inflammation of the eyelid. Blepharitis attacks the eyelids' edges and the base of the skin around the eyelashes. This eye disorder can affect one eye or both concurrently. If your eyelids are itchy and your eyelashes appear greasy, blepharitis could be the culprit. If you suspect you are suffering from blepharitis, contact us at Vision Professionals of Leawood for professional eye care. At our clinic, we take great pride in offering our patients outstanding eye and vision care.

What causes blepharitis?

Blepharitis occurs when the tiny oil glands situated along the base of the eyelash becomes clogged. As a result, these glands cannot drain and function as they are supposed to. Other factors linked to blepharitis include:

  • Excess bacteria
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Allergies
  • Skin disorders such as seborrheic, dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema
  • Eyelash mites or lice
  • Dry eyes
  • Infection with the herpes simplex virus

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Blepharitis symptoms are more pronounced in the morning. This condition makes your eyelids red, itchy, and swollen. The symptoms of chronic blepharitis come and go with periods of remission. Other symptoms include:

  • Dry eyes
  • A burning sensation in your eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Red and watery eyes
  • Crusty eyelashes when you wake up in the morning
  • Flaking and crusting at the base of the eyelashes similar to dandruff

It's important to note that blepharitis is not contagious. Your child can continue going to school if they are suffering from this condition.

How is blepharitis diagnosed?

While blepharitis is difficult to diagnose, a comprehensive eye examination can help. After looking at your medical history, our eye doctor can use a magnifying glass to examine your eyelashes. In some cases, our optometrist may collect samples from your eyelid to analyze for bacteria, viruses, or fungi infections.

How is blepharitis treated?

Self-care measures like washing your eyes and employing warm compresses are recommended to manage blepharitis. In addition, our optometrist may prescribe various options, including:

  • Antibiotics in the form of eye drops, creams, and ointments
  • Anti-inflammatory medication like steroids, eye drops, or ointments
  • Medication that enhances the immune system
  • Treatment of underlying conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea

While blepharitis can't be cured entirely, proper management of the condition can keep it under control.

Contact Our Optometry Office in Leawood for Quality Eye Care 

If you suspect you are suffering from blepharitis, schedule an appointment with us right away. Our team is committed to providing patients the eye care they need to ensure optimal vision throughout daily life. Regardless of your eye condition, our professional staff will work with you to ensure it is adequately managed. Contact us at Vision Professionals of Leawood to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help.

Blepharitis is an eye condition that is associated with inflammation of the eyelid. Blepharitis attacks the eyelids' edges and the base of the skin around the eyelashes. This eye disorder can affect one eye or both concurrently. If your eyelids are itchy and your eyelashes appear greasy, blepharitis could be the culprit. If you suspect you are suffering from blepharitis, contact us at Vision Professionals of Leawood for professional eye care. At our clinic, we take great pride in offering our patients outstanding eye and vision care.

What causes blepharitis?

Blepharitis occurs when the tiny oil glands situated along the base of the eyelash becomes clogged. As a result, these glands cannot drain and function as they are supposed to. Other factors linked to blepharitis include:

  • Excess bacteria
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Allergies
  • Skin disorders such as seborrheic, dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema
  • Eyelash mites or lice
  • Dry eyes
  • Infection with the herpes simplex virus

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Blepharitis symptoms are more pronounced in the morning. This condition makes your eyelids red, itchy, and swollen. The symptoms of chronic blepharitis come and go with periods of remission. Other symptoms include:

  • Dry eyes
  • A burning sensation in your eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Red and watery eyes
  • Crusty eyelashes when you wake up in the morning
  • Flaking and crusting at the base of the eyelashes similar to dandruff

It's important to note that blepharitis is not contagious. Your child can continue going to school if they are suffering from this condition.

How is blepharitis diagnosed?

While blepharitis is difficult to diagnose, a comprehensive eye examination can help. After looking at your medical history, our eye doctor can use a magnifying glass to examine your eyelashes. In some cases, our optometrist may collect samples from your eyelid to analyze for bacteria, viruses, or fungi infections.

How is blepharitis treated?

Self-care measures like washing your eyes and employing warm compresses are recommended to manage blepharitis. In addition, our optometrist may prescribe various options, including:

  • Antibiotics in the form of eye drops, creams, and ointments
  • Anti-inflammatory medication like steroids, eye drops, or ointments
  • Medication that enhances the immune system
  • Treatment of underlying conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea

While blepharitis can't be cured entirely, proper management of the condition can keep it under control.

Contact Our Optometry Office in Leawood for Quality Eye Care 

If you suspect you are suffering from blepharitis, schedule an appointment with us right away. Our team is committed to providing patients the eye care they need to ensure optimal vision throughout daily life. Regardless of your eye condition, our professional staff will work with you to ensure it is adequately managed. Contact us at Vision Professionals of Leawood to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help.

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