Most fish-oil based Omega-3 supplements are in the ethyl-ester form, which are less well absorbed and have a fishy aftertaste or odour. Omega-3 dietary supplements such as PRN Omega Eye contains Omega-3 in triglyceride form that has the best absorption by the body. Omega-3 levels are particular high in foods such as some fish (Herring, Sardines, Mackerel, Salmon and Swordfish), and also Flaxseed, Chia seeds and Walnuts. Omega-3 supplementation improves tear film stability and dry eye symptoms.⁴⁻⁷ A recommended regime to start with is to concentrate on blinking – so basically a big blink keeping the eye closed for about half a second, at least 20 times, four times a day.Ī diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids can help control blepharitis symptoms. The mechanical action of blinking helps Meibomian glands secrete their oil, however the rate of blinking decreases with age and near vision tasks such as computer use or reading. Many people find blinking exercises to be effective. Lumecare Carbomer soothing gel (best value for money). These help make the eyes more comfortable.³ Recommended artificial tear drops include: Unfortunately the treatment of blepharitis is frustrating as there is no immediate fix – you will need to do the above for 3-4 weeks before you notice any improvement, and will need to continue the lid hygiene long-term, so at least twice a week thereafter to prevent it from returning. If blepharitis is severe, you can very carefully use a cotton bud to remove the cap of oil from the gland orifice – but be very careful not to touch your eye and do this only after being shown how to do this safely by your Ophthalmologist. Gentle compression, not rubbing, of closed eyelids is ideal-with or without the use of a sterile eye pad/ wipe such as Blephaclean Sterile Pads or Lumecare Eyelid wipes. Use a cloth or cotton bud with warm water or Blephasol Sensitive Eyelids Eye Lotion to gently wipe the edge of the eyelids. Special eyelid warming goggles such as Blephasteam Goggles can be very effective, but are expensive.Įyelid massage¹,² should be done after the hot compress to unblock the openings of the Meibomian glands and reduce the bacterial load. Steam from a hot shower or sauna can help. If you are using a simple hot compress with a face flannel then warm saltwater soaks are preferred as this is more isotonic and thus more comfortable and less likely to wrinkle the eyelid skin. The recommended regime is four times a day for two weeks, then twice a day for a month, and twice a week after that. You can use a face flannel with hot water held over the closed eye for 15 seconds before immersing in hot water again, although some people find special eye hot compresses such as the MGDRx eye bag or The Eye Doctor eye bag more effective. The key is moist heat as this helps to melt the oils that have blocked up the pores in the eyelids. Hot compresses for 1-2 minutes are the mainstay of treatment. If you have had eye surgery within the past two weeks, you can clean the eye lids to remove any crusts but you must not put pressure on the eye – so keeping the eye closed, use a ball of cotton wool soaked in clean, warm water to gently wash the eyelashes. There is often no obvious reason why you have developed blepharitis at a particular time.īlepharitis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be well controlled with good eyelid hygiene. This causes dry eye symptoms as the oil layer normally helps reduce tear film evaporation.īlepharitis can cause styes or Meibomian cysts (swollen lumps on the eyelids). This results in less lipid (oil) secretion and so a reduced lipid layer of the tear film. Changes in the ratio of free fatty acids to cholesterol esters results in meibomian gland secretions with higher melting temperatures causing blockage of the gland opening. In posterior blepharitis there is blockage and resulting inflammation of the meibomian (oil) glands on the edge of the eyelids. Posterior blepharitis (or meibomian gland dysfunction, “MGD”)Īnterior blepharitis is thought due to an overgrowth of bacteria helped in part by build up of debris (crusts) on the eyelid margins, or a response by the body against bacterial toxins. It is usually a long-term condition, meaning that once it is controlled, you will need to continue treatment to help prevent repeat episodes. Treatments include hot compresses, eyelid hygiene, artificial tear drops and Omega-3 dietary supplements. There are two main types of blepharitis – anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis (also termed meibomian gland dysfunction). Dry or watery eyes, or a burning sensation.Įyelids that stick together or can be difficult to open when you wake up.
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