Blepharitis: I am a healthy elderly woman, but have had an eye problem for some time which was diagnosed as blepharitis. Can you tell me something about this condition?
Blepharitis is a relatively common condition but can often be hard to diagnose. Typically the person complains of a sore and gritty sensation in the eye and these symptoms can be either persistent or intermittent.
Some sufferers first present to their doctors complaining of a stye, which tend to be more common in those with blepharitis.
Other signs of the condition include inflamed eyelid margins, the small gland at the inner corner of the eye may be blocked and often there is a crust round the margins of the lids.
The conjunctiva may also be red and inflamed.
I was referred to an ophthalmologist but despite various treatments nothing has helped. Have you any suggestions?
Treatment of blepharitis needs to be tackled from several different angles.
First of all, the eyelids must be kept clean. If you have crusts, these should be removed very gently with a cotton bud dipped in warm water.
Next, antibiotic ointment should be smeared on the lid margins to help kill off any infections that may be aggravating the condition. And finally, the tear film, necessary to protect the surface of the eye but often absent in those with blepharitis, needs to be replaced by the use of artificial tears.
When I went to see the consultant he asked me if I had a history of skin problems. What have these got to do with eye problems?
Blepharitis is often seen in those with skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.
If there is a suspicion that your eye problem is being caused by a condition associated with sebaceous gland dysfunction, then a course of antibiotic treatment may prove invaluable in clearing up the problem.
I have had this problem for 18 months now and despite following all these steps the problem persists.
I'm afraid treatment can be protracted and even when the condition clears there may be recurrence of the problem.
However, I sympathise with your frustration but would encourage you to continue with the regime of keeping the eye clean and applying the ointment and drops as these should give you symptom relief if not cure.