Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelids, is a common eye disorder that results in redness, irritation, and itchiness. It can cause crusty flakes, similar to dandruff, to form on the eyelashes.
Blepharitis is often difficult to treat and recurs as a chronic condition. Although it is uncomfortable, it is not contagious and doesn’t usually cause serious harm to vision. Blepharitis is, however, a common cause of contact lens discomfort. Many people who have the condition are forced to stop wearing contacts.
There are two main types of blepharitis; people may develop one or both types:
- Anterior blepharitis: Affects the outside front edge of the eyelid, where the eyelashes attach to the lid
- Posterior blepharitis: Affects the inner edge of the eyelid, where the lid comes into contact with the surface of the eye
What Causes Blepharitis?
Anterior blepharitis is often caused by the presence of too much bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or scalp or eyebrow dandruff (seborrheic blepharitis), leading to an infection. Allergies or eyelash mites can also cause anterior blepharitis.
Posterior blepharitis, also called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), occurs when oil glands in the eyelids become clogged. Skin conditions, such as rosacea or scalp dandruff, can also cause posterior blepharitis.
People who have dandruff, rosacea, oily skin, or allergies may be at a higher risk of developing blepharitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Blepharitis?
Common symptoms include:
- Red and swollen eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Dry eyes
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Crusty eyelids or eyelashes
More serious symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Eyelashes that fall out or grow in the wrong direction
- Inflammation of the eye tissue, particularly the cornea
What Is the Best Way to Treat Blepharitis?
The best way to treat most types of blepharitis is thoroughly cleaning the eyelids daily, keeping them free of crusts. Washing eyelids with warm water and a cleaning agent can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and oil that cause blepharitis.
VibrantVue® Lid & Lash Cleanser is a new anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory clarifying treatment that effectively neutralizes inflammatory toxins released in eyelids and relieves symptoms of blepharitis. Lid & Lash Cleanser is a gentle everyday cleanser that prevents and treats red, itchy, and irritated eyes, making wearing contact lenses a viable option for patients who have suffered from chronic blepharitis in the past.
Lid & Lash Cleanser is an FDA-cleared, prescription-strength cleansing solution. Its active ingredient is hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a naturally occurring molecule produced by the immune system to fight infection and inflammation. HOCl is 50 times more effective than bleach, but it’s also non-toxic, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, HOCl is highly effective in treating blepharitis.
The active ingredient in VibrantVue® is a remarkable, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is used by your body’s own white blood cells to fight infection. An internal study has shown that the VibrantVue® formulation can produce a 10 million times reduction in bacteria commonly found on the lids in 15 seconds (kills 99.9999999% of bacteria). It can be used as a gentle lid scrub to remove debris and open up clogged meibomian glands.
Learn more about the advantages of using VibrantVue® Lid & Lash Cleanser.
