Treatment Options for Blepharitis
Treatment options for blepharitis involves a combination of daily eyelid hygiene, medications (when needed), and managing underlying conditions. There is no permanent cure, but regular maintenance can keep symptoms under control.
Treatments
1. Eyelid hygiene (the foundation of treatment)
- Use a warm compress: Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it on the eyes for 5–10 minutes to loosen crusts and unblock glands.
- Follow with gentle lid scrubs:
- Use diluted baby shampoo or commercial eyelid cleanser on a cotton bud or pad to clean the eyelid margins.
- Do this twice daily during flare-ups, then reduce to once a day for maintenance.
- Rinse eyes thoroughly after cleaning.
2. Lubricating eye drops
- Preservative-free artificial tears relieve dry, gritty eyes.
- Available over the counter in most pharmacies.
3. Antibiotics
- Topical antibiotics (e.g., fusidic acid gel or erythromycin ointment) for bacterial overgrowth.
- Oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline or azithromycin) for posterior blepharitis or rosacea-related cases.
- Courses typically last several weeks.
4. Steroid drops or ointments
- Prescribed short-term during severe inflammation.
- Must be used under supervision due to risk of increased eye pressure or cataract formation.
5. Demodex treatment
- Tea tree oil-based wipes or specialised cleansers may be recommended for mite infestation.
- Avoid direct contact with the eye.
6. Managing underlying conditions
- Treat seborrhoeic dermatitis with anti-dandruff shampoos.
- Manage rosacea with appropriate skincare or oral medication.
7. In-office treatments (for resistant cases)
- Lid debridement (manual cleaning of meibomian glands)
- Thermal pulsation therapy to unclog blocked glands (offered by some private eye clinics)
Treatment Options for Blepharitis
In South Africa, public clinics offer basic treatments like eye lubricants, antibiotic ointments, and hygiene guidance. Private optometrists or ophthalmologists may provide more advanced therapies.
👉 [Next: Living with Blepharitis – Daily Care and Outlook]
