Blepharitis Treatment Cape Coral
If you think you have blepharitis, call Elmquist Eye Group in Cape Coral today. Blepharitis can be stubborn and lead to infection and other complications. We can help you determine the cause and discuss the treatment options.
Elmquist Eye Group has proudly provided first class eye care in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and all of Southwest Florida for nearly 25 years. Our state of the art technology, specialized equipment, and skilled team of doctors allows us to provide you with an incomparable level of care.
E. Trevor Elmquist, DO, is a skilled ophthalmologist who is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is one of America’s Top Doctors, as selected by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. His partner, Kate Wagner, OD, and his associate, Nina Burt, OD, are both board certified optometrists who provide complete eye care services. Together, we have the expertise to care for anyone in your family from children to seniors.
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a skin problem that affects the eyelids and lashes. It may be caused by bacteria or by other skin conditions, such as dandruff, skin allergies, or eczema. The two main types are:
- Anterior blepharitis – This type of blepharitis affects the outside of the eyelid (near the eyelashes).
- Posterior blepharitis – This type of blepharitis affects the underside of the front of the eyelids, just behind the eyelashes. There are tiny glands (meibomian glands) located there that secrete an oily substance onto the surface of the eye and produce some of your tears.
Signs and symptoms that are associated with blepharitis include:
- Itching and burning of the eyes
- Redness of the eyes or eyelids
- Flaking of skin on the lids
- Eyes feel dry or gritty
- Crusting near the lashes (generally worst when you wake up)
- Reduced vision
- Dry eye
Blepharitis usually affects both eyes and is chronic, which means that once you’ve had it, it can come and go, even after it has been cleared up.
How is Blepharitis Treated?
Many cases of blepharitis can be controlled through a regular program of eyelid hygiene.
The first step involves soaking the eye with warm compresses to loosen any debris on the lashes so that you can easily remove it. The next step is to gently brush in either a horizontal or vertical direction to remove any debris that may be trapped in the eyelashes. Then rinse the closed eye with cool tap water and dry it with a clean towel.
If the condition is significant or an infection is present, we may recommend prescription antibiotic drops, ointment, or an oral antibiotic.
Dr. Elmquist has also developed an innovative, in-office spa therapy treatment for blepharitis sufferers, called Spa Scrubs. The treatment takes place in a serene, relaxing setting in our Fort Myers office. The eye doctor carefully expresses the glands of the eyelids to clear out any potential source of infection. Its goal is to help alleviate patient’s symptoms and reduce their need for at-home therapy.
The blepharitis treatment we offer at Elmquist Eye Group in Cape Coral and Fort Myers has provided relief for many of our patients. Please call us today at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment and find out more about your treatment options.