What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid. Blepharitis can be sudden due to an infection and can be treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, most cases of blepharitis particularly in the older age group are chronic and are more difficult to eradicate. These chronic cases are usually due to inflammation and slugging in the oil glands of the lids. I will discuss with you numerous modalities to treat this condition including medicine, both by drop and by mouth, as well lid hygiene.

What other eyelids conditions do you treat?

I treat lid growths and eye lid malpositions.

Lid growths are evaluated in the office and a decision is made either to observe these or remove them. Most can be easily removed in the office. A chalazion, or sty, is an obstruction of one of the glands in the lid which can cause sudden swelling, pain, and inflammation. Most cases can be treated with warm compresses and antibiotics. Some will need to be drained in the office.

As we age, the eye lid can turn in and rub the eye or turn out which causes tearing and inflammation. The medical terms for this are entropion and ectropion. I do manage these problems in the operating room. Other conditions such as Bell’s Palsy prevent the eyelids from closing. If the condition is temporary, it can be treated medically but if I feel the eye is in danger, surgery may be necessary.

What is Dry Eye disease?

The eye continually produces lipids, mucin, and aqueous solution to keep its surface moist and keep the cornea crystal clear. There are conditions which can decrease the production of these substances causing burning, irritation, and reflex tearing. Some of the causes include aging, eye surgery, medications, and certain systemic conditions such as Sjogren’s Syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. I will review different ways to treat this condition including artificial tears, Restasis and Xiidra, as well as punctal occlusion.