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Blepharitis

Ophthalmologist in Naples Treats Blepharitis

patient with Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelid accompanied by itching, crusty discharge on the eyelashes and eyelids or abnormal tearing may be diagnosed by your ophthalmologist in Naples as blepharitis. If you have blepharitis, you may notice dandruff-like flakes at the edge of your eyelids where your eyelashes grow. In addition, blepharitis could cause sensitivity to light, loss of eyelashes or eyelid swelling that interferes with vision. Unlike conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis is not contagious. You cannot spread blepharitis to others.

Causes of Blepharitis

Dry eyes due to aging, medication use or tear duct abnormalities are the primary causes of blepharitis. A bacterial or fungal eyelid infection can promote the development of blepharitis. For example, if you scratch your eyelid and expose the eyelid to bacteria or fungal pathogens, an infection could emerge leading to symptoms of blepharitis.

Blepharitis Types

Seborrheic Blepharitis

Symptoms of Seborrheic Blepharitis may include greasy flakes or scales clinging to the base of the eyelashes accompanied by visible eyelid redness and inflammation that does not go away with home care.

Staphylococcal Blepharitis

Blepharitis caused by staph bacteria makes the eyelids thicken and stick together when you try to blink and itch. You may also lose a significant number of eyelashes or notice your eyelashes are growing in crookedly if you have staph blepharitis.

Ulcerative Blepharitis

Eyelid sores, chronic tearing, and loss of eyelashes are signs of ulcerative blepharitis. A more serious type of blepharitis than seborrheic or staph, ulcerative blepharitis requires immediate treatment by your ophthalmologist to avoid scarring of the eyelids and vision interference.

Treatment for Blepharitis

Your ophthalmologist in Naples can administer an in-office procedure involving micro-sponging your eyelids with a small, handheld tool that gently cleans eyelids with medical-grade sponges. This device carefully removes "scurf" or debris created by blepharitis while painlessly exfoliating your eyelids. Completely removing blepharitis biofilm clinging to eyelids is essential for eliminating inflammation, itching, and flaking. In addition, having your eyelids cleaned regularly by your ophthalmologist improves eyelid health and may help naturally increase tear production. Also, if you do not have blepharitis but have dry eyes, this type of treatment for blepharitis may provide relief.

Contact Our Ophthalmologist for Blepharitis Treatment Today

Your ophthalmologist may recommend repeat blepharitis treatment if you have severe or long-term blepharitis or your blepharitis is accompanied by eyelid ulcers.If you suspect you are suffering symptoms of blepharitis, schedule an eye examination with your ophthalmologist in Naples today by calling Naples Eye Physicians at (239) 262-6288.