Blepharitis/Meibomitis

Bepharitis is a condition in which the eyelids are crusty, red and sometimes the eyelids are thickened with blood vessels. The patient may experience itching, burning, tearing and the feeling that there is something in the eye. Blepharitis usually has worse symptoms in the morning rather than the evening. Sometimes the glands along the eyelid margin get clogged with dirt and oils from the skin and it stops the oils from inside of the glands from being pushed out into the tear film, this is called meibomitis. This makes the gland's oil stagnate or become stale. This produces a constant irritation along the eyelids and even makes the conjunctiva (clear film over the white part of the eye) become red. The cornea has irritation and mucous discharge is sometimes seen in the eye. Acne Rosacea is a redness and flushing of the cheeks and nose from acne and is sometimes associated with blepharitis and meibomitis. Blepharitis and meibomitis are conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated to completely correct the problem. The condition can be treated by keeping the eyelids clean, warm compresses or even prescription medications. The path of the treatment plan will depend on the severity of the condition. Blepharitis and meibomitis are both conditions that can be detected at your yearly routine vision examination. Also if you experience any of the above symptoms an office visit is recommended for relief and a proper treatment plan.