Blepharitis is a common condition that can occur at any age. Symptoms include:
- sore and itchy eyelids which become swollen at the edges
- crusty or greasy eyelashes
- a gritty sensation in your eyes
- increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- In most cases both eyes are affected, but one eye can be more affected than the other. The symptoms tend to be worse in the morning.
Blepharitis is frequently associated with skin conditions, such as ocular rosacea, eczema, dandruff and psoriasis.
Blepharitis is usually a long-term condition, which is incurable. Most people experience repeated episodes, separated by symptom-free periods.
A daily eyelid-cleaning routine can help control the symptoms and prevent permanent scarring of the eyelid margins.
You may find this leaflet on Blepharitis published by East Sussex healthcare NHS trust useful:
> Download patient information leaflet
Blepharitis and Dry Eye Syndrome
Blepharitis and Dry Eye Syndrome often occur at the same time, which in the past created confusion as to whether dry eye causes blepharitis, or blepharitis causes dry eye.
However, more recently Blepharitis and Dry Eye are being recognised as being a single condition, which is termed "dry eye blepharitis syndrome" (DEBS).
Dry Eye is actually one of the conditions experienced in the latter stages of blepharitis. That is because blepharitis leads to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and insufficient tear production.
How moisture chamber glasses can help
Wearing moisture chamber glasses can relieve the discomfort of dry eye symptoms and will also protect the eyes from dust and other irritants.
Because tear evaporation will be reduced, your eyes will stay more lubricated, helping to reduce minimise the effect of blepharitis. By keeping out irritants, moisture chamber glasses can help you avoid a more serious episode of blepharitis.
Moisture chamber glasses are a valuable tool for blepharitis sufferers. Indeed, if you are planning a holiday to a destination that is hot and dusty, such as a beach location or a safari, we believe that these glasses should be regarded as an essential travel accessory.
Other products you may be interested in
NuLids is an effective and easy to use home treatment for relief of MGD / Dry Eye / Blepharitis symptoms.
It is a cordless, portable and compact handheld device with a soft tip lubricated by gel that cleans, stimulates and rejuvenates your Meibomian Glands. Treatment time is only 1 minute per day and 8-10 days can yield a real improvement in dry eye symptoms for MGD sufferers.
It's like giving your Meibomian Glands a daily servicing that nurtures them back to a more youthful and healthy state – the way they were when dry eye was not a problem.
Watch this video to see how Nulids works.