Inflamed eyelids, also called blepharitis, is something that many people suffer from at some point during their lives. Blepharitis is a common eyelid inflammation, usually associated with an already existing bacterial eye infection, specific kinds of skin conditions, or dry eye symptoms.
Common symptoms include itching, burning, redness, the sensation of a foreign body in the eye, tearing and crusting around the eye. The condition can sometimes be problematic to manage, because it's usually chronic.
You'll be glad to hear that there are numerous options available to handle blepharitis and make sure your eyes stay clean and healthy. Firstly, apply a warm towel to your closed eyelid to help the crust begin to loosen before you clean them. The warmth from the washcloth will also help remove any clogged residue in the oil-secreting glands in your eyelids. When you begin treatment, you will probably need to remember to do this several times throughout the day for approximately 5 minutes every time. After that, you can use the compress one time per day, just for a few minutes.
Cleaning your eyelids is central to blepharitis treatment, so it's best to use a commercial lid scrub or whatever product your optometrist recommends. You want to gently massage your outer eyelids and all residue should be rinsed off after the cleansing process.
Although it may be uncomfortable, blepharitis isn't catching and generally, doesn't lead to any enduring damage to your vision, so speak to your O. D. about how to make sure your lids are clean and healthy.
