Few things make life as uncomfortable and difficult as an eye condition. You cannot see, you cannot sleep, and you cannot even look at yourself in the mirror without focusing on the problem. This is no way to live, which is why we want to help you treat your underlying condition.
Do you have inflammation around your eyelids? If so, it’s possible you are suffering from Blepharitis. Blepharitis usually affects both eyes along the edges of the eyelids. Let’s first discuss what exactly this is, and then we’ll go into further detail as to how Lipiflow treatment for Blepharitis can help.
What is Blepharitis?
Everyone has some bacteria on their skin. Some people, however, have more bacteria at the base of their eyelashes than others. Blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, causing irritation and redness. In this case, your eyelids may appear red and swollen. They may also feel like they are burning or sore. You may have flakes or oily crust particles wrapped at the base of your eyelashes too.
Signs and Symptoms of Blepharitis
Many people find that Blepharitis signs and symptoms are typically worse in the morning. They include:
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Feeling like there’s something in your eye
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Eyelids that appear greasy
- Itchy eyelids
- Swollen eyelids
- Flaking of the skin around the eyes
- Crusted eyelashes
- Eyelashes that fall out
- Eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction
- Eyelid sticking
- The need to blink more frequently
- Sensitivity to light
- Swelling of other parts of the eye, like the cornea
- Blurred vision first thing in the morning
Blepharitis can be both uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have Blepharitis and it is left untreated, it can lead to eyelash problems, eyelid skin problems, dry eyes, chronic pink eye, a sty, a chalazion, and more.
Blepharitis is very common, especially among people who have oily skin, dandruff, or Rosacea. That doesn’t make it any easier to deal with! If you feel you may be suffering from Blepharitis, the first step is to get in contact with our eye care office and see a doctor for confirmation. After this, he or she will discuss Lipiflow treatment for Blepharitis with you.
Lipiflow Treatment for Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a multifactorial condition. It is often frequently occuring or chronic, requiring a multi-faceted treatment approach. Unfortunately there is not a cure for Blepharitis, but there are a number of things you can do to help control the symptoms. It is very important to keep your eyelids, skin, and hair clean. This will do a lot to help keep your Blepharitis symptoms under control.
Your best treatment may include prescription eye drops, nutritional supplements, eyelid scrubs and antiseptics, punctal plug procedures, as well as occasional use of antibiotics topically or orally and short term use of topical steroids.
That being said, we encourage you to look further into Lipiflow treatment for Blepharitis. This treatment involves a device which warms and massages the eyelids restoring a more normal function to the eyelids and Meibomian Glands. Lipiflow works directly on the eyelid for about 12 minutes with the help of pulsating pressure. The treatment itself is comfortable and easy to undergo.
Lipiflow unblocks the microscopic Meibomian Glands within the eyelid margins which frequently become obstructed which then contributes to inflammation, dryness, and irritation of the ocular surface. By removing these obstructions and restoring a more normal flow of these eyelid oil glands, our eye doctors are able to stabilize the tear film which helps protect and improve your ocular surface.
Lipiflow Treatment at Eye Care Professionals of Reno
If you have Blepharitis signs and symptoms that don’t seem to improve with proper hygiene, which includes regular cleaning and care of the affected area, it is time to make an appointment with a Reno area eye doctor. At Eye Care Professionals, we specialize in the assessment and Lipiflow treatment for Blepharitis. Our team will tailor your treatment plan to your specific case and findings.