Blepharitis Treatment Dos and Don'ts: Best Practices
Blepharitis Treatment Dos and Don'ts: Best Practices
30 June 2024

Blepharitis is an eye infection or disease diagnosed with the unusual deposit of mites, debris, or flakes in the eyelids. Individuals with blepharitis feel there is something in their eyes and experience an uneasy sensation out of nowhere.

Today, we discuss certain dos and don’ts to maintain eyelid hygiene and treatment during blepharitis.

Etiology of Blepharitis: Symptoms and causes

Blepharitis is caused by different factors, and the study of its symptoms and causes is discussed in this etiology section.

  • Lack of proper eye care routine (eyelid hygiene)
  • Bacterial infection
  • Malfunctioning of oil glands in eyelids
  • Seborrheic (dandruff on scalp and eyebrows)
  • Allergic reaction to eye medication and makeup
  • Eyelash mite infection
  • Dry eye condition

The type may vary if it occurs outside the eyes, where eyelashes attach (this is called anterior blepharitis). If it occurs at the inner edge of the eyelid, that's posterior blepharitis. The treatment and ease of symptoms depend on the type.

Sometimes, blepharitis treatment becomes a chronic case and has an increased risk of permanent eye damage. Since the eyes are a really sensitive organ in the body, every crusty eye needs immediate attention from eye experts and optometrists. The warning symptoms of blepharitis include:

  • Watery, red, and irritated eyes
  • Burning or stinging sensation in eyes
  • Greasy eyelids
  • Flakes around the eyelashes
  • Itchy and swollen eyelids
  • Recurring pink eye infection
  • Corneal infection or irritation
  • Sensitivity to glare

Dietary Factors and Blepharitis

Whatever the cause, there is a home remedy, ointments, or vision therapy taken in moderate conjunction for better recovery. Dietary factors equally contribute to better recovery and prevention of blepharitis in advance. Fatty fish, flax seeds, and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, so they must be taken in adequate amounts.

Dos

  • Intake of anti-oxidants from colorful fruits and vegetables
  • Use a diet rich in turmeric and ginger, and take green tea
  • Dark chocolate, olive oil, whole grains, and probiotics are effective
  • Fiber-rich foods like fermented kimchi, asparagus, bananas, and legumes are good

Don’ts

  • Don’t overeat, especially too much fruit, if you are diabetic
  • Avoid foods to which you are allergic.
  • Avoid direct contact with shampoo or soaps on the eyes when bathing

Home Remedies for the treatment of Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an infected eye condition that shows gradual progress with home remedies. The initial treatment focus is on using warm compresses, eyelid cleaning, scrubs, and good eye hygiene.

This condition can either be inherited or a metabolic disorder. That's why one should not solely rely on home remedies and seek a doctor’s advice. Warm compresses can help loosen the crusty deposits in the eyes but they do not necessarily cure them. So here are certain dos and don’ts we need to remember.

Dos

  • Apply warm and moist compresses to the infected eye several times per day.
  • The warm compress duration is around 10–15 minutes per application
  • Blink your eyes frequently during warm compresses.
  • Gently scrub the eyelids
  • Long-term diet care plan for eyes
  • Use BlephEx or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy if home remedies aren't enough

Don’ts

  • Do not use too much water, as it can damage delicate areas of the eyes.
  • Don't rub your eyes vigorously during warm compresses.
  • Avoid the use of infected and harsh clothes and eye masks for warm compresses

Thermal pulsation therapy (LipiFlow device)

Thermal pulsation therapy (LipiFlow device) is a new technique that applies heat to both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the eyes. Pulsations gently remove debris and crusting from the meibomian glands. MiBoFlo is a thermal therapy applied to the outside of the eyelids.

Dos

  • It is a single 12-minute in-office treatment.
  • Numbing eye drops are used to minimize discomfort.
  • Maintain good eyelid hygiene

Don’ts

  • Dont contaminate the LipiFlow disposable device
  • LipiFlow procedure for reducing symptoms

BlephEX

BlephEx is a rotating light burr used to remove debris from meibomian gland orifices. This allows a better flow of oils and an improved response to heat therapies. The Maskin probe is a stainless steel probe applied to an anesthetized meibomian gland orifice. A light electrical current is applied to the gland to facilitate oil secretion. While some small trials have shown promise, further clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of these treatments.

Dos

  • Use BlephEx repeatedly for 4 to 6 months with doctor's advice
  • Maintain good eyelid hygiene using lid wipes or warm compresses
  • Use BlephEx in combination with eye drops, ointments, and heat therapy

Don’ts

  • Dont use BlephEx in case of active eye infection
    Seldom use BlephEx as a single treatment or therapy for blepharitis

Xdemvy (Lotilaner eye drops) for Blepharitis

Xdemvy is a 0.25% lotilaner eye drop that can effectively combat the infestation of Demodex mites in your eyes. It shows no concerns or harm from long-term use.

Dos

  • Use Xdemvy one drop at a time (twice a day for 6 weeks straight) to see some progress)
  • Remove contact lenses before applying this eye care solution
  • Wait 5 minutes after using Xdemvy to use any other eye drops or ointments
  • Use follow-up appointments with an eye doctor for blepharitis treatment

Don’ts

  • Don't touch the dropper tip on your eyelids or contaminate the solution
  • Dont insert contact lenses immediately after the use of Xdemvy (wait at least 15 minutes)
  • Dont use Xdemvy if you have an eye infection or recent eye surgery
  • Discontinue use if you are allergic to its ingredients

Azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution for Blepharitis

Azithromycin is a topical treatment procedure for posterior blepharitis. It contains antibiotic drops with a 1% ophthalmic solution that potentially treats bacterial infections causing blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

In a recent study, a 30-day treatment of posterior blepharitis with these drops resulted in an ease in tear break-up time. In addition, it also increased the Schirmer score (tear production) with better recovery and a less inflammable treatment procedure, which prevented staining on the conjunctiva and cornea.

However, overuse of such antibiotics can lead to resistance. This means one shall use it to the extent under the prescribed quantity to prevent repo cautions.

Dos

  • Instill 1 drop in the affected area at least 8 to 12 hours apart in the first 2 days
  • Instill 1 drop each, only once, from day 3 to day 7
  • Shake the Azithromycin solution gently before each use
  • Complete the whole therapy and antibiotic treatment session.

Don’ts

  • Dont introduce AzaSite for children below the age of 1
  • Discard the use of the bottle after 14 days of opening the lid

Intense pulsed light therapy to treat Blepharitis

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a cosmetic procedure found effective in treating underlying inflammation of the eyelids for blepharitis. It cures spots, rosacea, and freckles under the eyes.

Dos

  • Intense pulse therapy can treat underlying inflammation
  • Avoid use of Vitamin A and C products like retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide to prevent irritation after IPL
  • Avoid strenuous exercises
  • Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to clean the eyelid margins
  • Use Johnson baby oil dipped in cotton buds to clean the eyelids.

Don’ts

  • IPL on dark skin absorbs light, potentially causing burning on the skin.
  • Dont expose the IPL area to direct sunlight for at least 4 weeks
  • Don't use products with retinol, glycolic, or salicylic acids after IPL treatment for blepharitis.

Conclusion

The cure for blepharitis has been taken to a new level with the discovery of recent therapy. The crusty eye problem here has a solution that develops over time, topical antibiotic creams like bacitracin or erythromycin can also provide help. 

There is no such definitive cure, but from warm compresses to thermal pulsation, the techniques of lid massages and scrubs have cleared bacteria and provided relief. We have learned about pathophysiology, chronic inflammatory responses, and advanced and basic treatment options. If you have an additional inquiry, you can contact the Vision Concern team. 

Yes, we provide emergency eye care for conditions like eye injuries, sudden vision loss, and infections. If you experience any urgent eye problems, please contact us immediately, and our team will assist you in getting the care you need.

Signs to watch for include blurry vision, floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at Vision Concern Eye Clinic as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be a sign that you need glasses or contact lenses. Our eye exams will help determine whether you need corrective lenses. We’ll also discuss your options based on your lifestyle and preferences, including glasses, contacts, or even refractive surgery like LASIK.