Irrespective of gender, this is a common eye condition that can occur at any age. The disease is divided into two types: anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis. In anterior blepharitis, the outer edge of the eyelid and the base of the eyelashes are affected. Blepharitis occurs due to the overgrowth of bacteria on the skin and oily/flaky skin. In posterior blepharitis, the inner part of the eyelid that touches the eye is affected, associated with the malfunctioning of tear oil glands.
How is Eyelid Inflammation Diagnosed?
This condition, observable at any age, manifests quickly with its symptoms. The first and most important symptom is the sensation of swelling in the eyelid. Sometimes this is apparent from the outside, while at other times it may only cause a sensation for the patient. Another symptom is redness in the lash area. Sensitivity to light is also among the symptoms of the disease. The disease can be diagnosed quickly through a doctor's examination, and treatment with medication usually begins. Treatment can also continue at home but being under a doctor's supervision will accelerate the healing process.
Diagnosis of Eyelid Inflammation
To diagnose eyelid inflammation, also known as a stye, an eye examination and an internal eyelid examination are required. Treatment planning is done based on the examination using visual and manual inspection, and medication treatment shows its effects within a week.
Diseases Triggered by Eyelid Inflammation
Blepharitis can cause recurrent, acute inflammations (styes) and hard swellings (chalazion) in the eyelid glands. Particularly in the elderly, issues such as ingrown eyelashes, eyelashes affecting the eye, and eyelashes falling out can occur. Eyelid inflammation does not affect the eye's visual function. Very rarely, it may lead to inflammation and vision problems in the corneal layer.
Eyelid inflammation can increase the risk of postoperative infection in patients undergoing intraocular surgery.
Precautions Against Inflammation
Several basic precautions can be taken for this condition, the cause of which we know;
One of the main factors for blepharitis is the contact of unwashed hands with the eyes. It is very important for parents to pay attention to this issue in children and to instill a habit of handwashing.
Unwashed and dirty hands harbor numerous microbes, and when they contact the eyes and their surroundings, the microbes settle there and can lead to many conditions, primarily eye inflammation. Both children and adults need to handle this with sensitivity and wash their hands frequently during the day.
Another factor is the hygiene rules not followed when using lenses. Whether used for refractive errors or for aesthetic purposes, it is crucial to thoroughly clean lenses with lens solution and insert them with clean hands. Not adhering to this can prepare the ground for eyelid inflammation.
Additionally, not removing makeup done during the day and leaving it on the skin for a long time can cause eye inflammation. These products contain many chemicals and, when combined with oils on our skin and dust particles from the environment, can lead to eye inflammation and potentially more serious eye problems if not attended to and treated. Therefore, cleaning makeup before going to bed and washing the eyes thoroughly with water is crucial.
Treatment of Eyelid Inflammation
Eyelid inflammation is a treatable but stubborn condition that can recur, and treatment at home is possible. In treatment, it is important to clean the base of the eyelashes by gently massaging the eyelid and lash line with a warm, damp, and clean cloth or cotton regularly every day. This process should be applied for 5 minutes, 2-3 times a day, and the base of the eyelashes should be cleaned with special shampoos containing tea tree extract.
Most patients must maintain a daily hygiene routine throughout their lives to prevent recurrence of this condition. Additionally, antibiotic creams or steroid eye drops prescribed by an ophthalmologist are very important to prevent complications and provide relief to the patient. If there is also dry eye, eye drops will be recommended by the doctor.
What Should a Daily Care Routine for Eyelid Inflammation Include?
To prevent the recurrence of inflammation in the eyelid, it is essential to make hygiene habits permanent. Blepharitis treatment is not limited to medications; daily care routines can also be as effective as the treatment.
Wiping the eyelid with a warm and damp cloth twice a day, in the morning and evening, reduces the severity of inflammation and ensures the health of the lash line. For those curious about what blepharitis is, this inflammatory condition arises from the blockage of oil glands in the eyelid, bacteria, and dead cells accumulated at the base of the eyelashes. Therefore, regular cleaning with wipes or shampoos containing tea tree oil is recommended. Additionally, ensuring that makeup products are personal and washing brushes after each use reduces the risk of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What helps with eyelid inflammation?
The most effective method for treating eyelid inflammation is maintaining hygiene. Warm compress applications help soften the base of the eyelashes and open blocked glands. Antibiotic ointments and products containing tea tree oil recommended by the doctor help control the inflammation. The general answer to what helps eyelid inflammation is regular cleaning and using the right products.
Why does blepharitis recur?
Blepharitis is a chronic condition prone to recurrence. Even after treatment, it can reappear if daily care is neglected. Dry eye, rosacea skin conditions, and weakened immune systems can also contribute to the recurrence of blepharitis. Therefore, attention should be paid not only to medication treatment but also to lifestyle changes.
How long does blepharitis treatment take?
The duration of blepharitis treatment varies from person to person but generally begins to show results in 1 to 3 weeks. However, a full recovery may require spreading the regular maintenance over months. The question of how to get rid of eyelid inflammation also reminds us that this process shows individual differences. Antibiotic drops, ointments, and cleansing solutions form the cornerstone of treatment.
What should people who wear lenses pay attention to regarding blepharitis?
Lens wearers must wash their hands before inserting lenses and clean the lenses with sterile solutions. Dirty lenses can cause inflammation in the eyelid. People showing signs of blepharitis should discontinue lens use until healed and should not reinstall them without consulting a doctor.