What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelids.

What causes blepharitis?

Blepharitis is caused by an increased bacterial concentration on the eyelids.

The oil glands in the eyelids are also usually inflamed.

There is usually an underlying dry eye condition which allows this, as a healthy tear film washes away the bacteria and lubricates the surface of the eye.

What are the symptoms?

The eyes feel sandy and gritty, especially in the mornings.

The tears are salty, so they sting and burn the eyes.

The eyes are sensitive and irritable and the lid margins look red.

How can I treat blepharitis?

TheraTears Sterilid Eye Cleaner is a foaming cleanser which can be used on surface of the eyes. It contains a plant oil, linolol, which is antibacterial.

Antibiotic (Chlorsig or Ciloxan) and anti-inflammatory (FML or Maxidex) drops may also be used.

The underlying dry eye condition, which is usually present, also needs to be treated, or the blepharitis will recur.

This is best achieved with the use of regular TheraTears eye drops , which dilute the salty tears, lubricate the eye and help the surface regenerate and

Tears again spray , which coats the tear film with a fatty layer, stabilising the tears and reducing evaporation. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.