When
you think about eye conditions that can affect your everyday comfort,
you have to include a common -- and irritating -- eyelid problem
known as blepharitis. Blepharitis can have a number of possible
causes, often co-occurring with a dry eye to make your life
miserable. But you can fight back against this chronic complaint with
some help from your friends at Lock Family Eye Care. We're happy to
serve as your source for blepharitis treatment in West Des Moines IA.
Understanding Blepharitis
What is blepharitis, and why do you suffer from it? Eyelid irritation afflicts up to 47 percent of the U.S. population at one point or another. In the case of blepharitis, bacteria or fungi overgrow along the rim of the eyelid, where the eyelashes grow. This creates a toxic biofilm that serves as a food source for mites. At the same time, the meibomian glands in the eyelids may become clogged, preventing your tear film from receiving the necessary oils to remain hydrated. For this reason, dry eye often occurs at the same time as blepharitis. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) may also develop alongside blepharitis.
While blepharitis is not considered a dangerous condition in and of itself, it is certainly an uncomfortable one. You may experience annoying problems such as:
- Swollen eyelids
- Redness
- Itching
- Crusting around the eyelids
- A gritty sensation in your eyes (especially if you're also suffering from dry eye)
- Loss of eyelashes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Soothing Solutions at Lock Family Eye Care
It's important to note that some of the complications and co-occurring ailments associated with blepharitis can do harm to your eyes over time. for example, dry eye or conjunctivitis can promote corneal injury and scarring.
Get Your Blepharitis Under Control
Unfortunately, blepharitis can be a stubborn condition that keeps coming back, no matter how careful you are to keep your eyelids clean. But the right treatment strategies can help you manage the condition and protect your ocular wellness. Here at Lock Family Eye Care, we can evaluate your symptoms to eliminate other possible causes and confirm a case of blepharitis. If you have blocked meibomian glands, we may recommend treatment techniques to warm, liquify, and remove the material blocking the glands. We may also prescribe debridement of the eyelid margins to eliminate mites, bacteria or fungi. Our optometrist will instruct you on home care practices such as warm compresses and eyelid scrubs to help minimize the problem between treatments.
Looking for Blepharitis Treatment in West Des Moines? Contact Lock Family Eyecare in Des Moines
If you need blepharitis treatment in West Des Moines, LockFamily Eye Care is the answer. Call 515-267-1312 for an appointment!