Blepharitis
Do you have blepharitis? It’s a common condition that many people will experience at some point in their lives. But there’s no reason to suffer with the discomfort of red, swollen, and itchy eyelids. Elmquist Eye Group can help you explore your treatment options.
Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist is a board certified ophthalmologist who has been selected as one of America’s Top Doctors in ophthalmology by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. He has been providing exceptional eye care to the residents of Southwest Florida for over 25 years. Dr. Kate Wagner, his partner, and Dr. Nina Burt, his associate, are board certified optometrists who provide complete eye care services.
No matter what type of concern you may have about your eyes, our talented team offers a full range of vision care, from routine exams for glasses to bladeless laser-assisted cataract surgery as well as treatment for sight-threatening conditions, such as diabetes, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Types of Blepharitis
Blepharitis occurs in two forms – anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis.
- Anterior blepharitis affects the front of the eyelids, usually near the eyelashes. The two most common causes of this type of blepharitis are a bacterial infection and a skin disorder called seborrheic dermatitis, which causes itchy and flaky skin.
- Posterior blepharitis affects the interior surface of the eyelid which comes in contact with the eye. It is usually caused by problems with the oil (meibomian) glands in the lid margin. This type of blepharitis is more common than the anterior type, and often affects people with acne rosacea.
Treatments for Blepharitis
Blepharitis usually requires long-term management, and treatment will depend on the cause of the condition. In mild cases, your eye doctor may advise you to place a warm washcloth on your eye to help loosen crust. You may also have to wash your eyelids with an eyelid cleanser or diluted baby shampoo. If an infection is present, your doctor may recommend prescription antibiotic drops, ointment, or an oral antibiotic.
Dr. Trevor Elmquist has developed an in-office spa therapy treatment for patients who suffer from blepharitis, called Spa Scrubs. The eye doctor carefully expresses the glands of the eyelids to eliminate any potential source of infection while you relax in a serene setting. The goal of Spa Scrub therapy is to help alleviate your symptoms and reduce your need for at-home therapy.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Blepharitis is also the most common culprit for dry eyes. The reason is because blepharitis can cause a blockage in the tiny oil glands in your eyelids that help lubricate your eyes. When the oils from these glands aren’t released, they cause an imbalance in the tear system, causing dry eye syndrome. Tears are what protect your eyes and keep them lubricated and comfortable.
There are many causes of dry eyes, including aging, hormonal changes in women, side effects of disease/medications, environmental factors, Sjögrens syndrome, and laser vision correction surgeries. But dry eye disease is treatable, and there is no reason to suffer. Elmquist Eye Group provides a variety of diagnostic tools and treatment options for relief of dry eye syndrome.
If you are experiencing symptoms of blepharitis or dry eye syndrome and would like to see one of the eye care specialists at Elmquist Eye Group, please contact us at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment.