Blepharitis refers to a family of inflammatory disease processes of the eyelid(s). Blepharitis can be divided into anterior and posterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis refers to inflammation mainly centered around the skin, eyelashes, and lash follicles, while the posterior variant involves the meibomian gland orifices, meibomian glands, tarsal plate, and blepharo-conjunctival junction. Anterior blepharitis usually is subdivided further into staphylococcal and seborrheic variants.
Since Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids, they may appear red, swollen, or feel like they are burning or sore. You may have flakes or oily particles (crusts) wrapped at the base of your eyelashes too.
Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and wring it out until somewhat dry. Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for at least 1 minute. Wet the washcloth as often as needed so it stays warm. This will help loosen the flakes sticking around your eyelashes. It also helps keep nearby oil glands from clogging.
Your ophthalmologist may have you use an antibiotic ointment on your eyes. Put a small amount of ointment on a clean fingertip or a cotton swab (Q-tip). Gently apply the ointment to the base of your eyelashes. Do this just before bedtime, or as your doctor recommends. Your doctor might also prescribe an antibiotic medicine for you to take by mouth.
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