Blepharitis

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common condition, that results in inflammation affecting the eyelids, and eyelashes. Symptoms of blepharitis include redness, irritation, crusting, and a dry or sandy feeling in the eyes and eyelids. In most cases, this condition does not cause damage to one’s vision. Typical causes of this condition include bacterial infections, allergic reactions, excessive oil production by glands in the eyelid, or poor eyelid hygiene.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It is a common condition of the eye in both children and adults which causes swelling, itchiness, redness and crusting of the eyelid margins.

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How is Blepharitis Treated?

There is no known cure for blepharitis. Therefore, treatment for blepharitis is concentrated on controlling the symptoms to prevent the condition from worsening.

The most important treatment and prevention for blepharitis are to maintain very clean eyelids by using an eyelid cleanser or scrub.

When performing an eyelid scrub, start by washing your hands with soap and warm water. Then, remove the pre-moistened pad from its package, close your eye and gently cleanse the lids using lateral side to side strokes. Avoid touching the eye directly and use a fresh pad for each eye. Follow up with a cool water rinse of the area. Repeat this process for the alternate eye.

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Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Chronic Blepharitis along with other related conditions can lead to a more severe condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is the leading cause of dry eyes. One method which we find very effective in MGD is using the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress with MediBeads.

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The Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress with MediBeads is an effective and convenient solution for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Chronic Dry Eye Disease, and Blepharitis. Meibomian gland dysfunction, also called MGD, is a condition where the meibomian glands do not produce the proper quantity and/or quality of oil for the outer layer of the tear film. MGD is the leading cause of dry eye. It disrupts the normal balance that exists between the three contributing layers that make up the tear film. In most cases, this disruption occurs when the meibum or meibomian secretions becomes slightly thicker than normal. If the oil layer is too thick, it can lead to a blockage of the narrow duct which takes the oil from the gland to the tear film. As the glands continue to produce oil, this blockage can cause them to swell or become infected. This can cause a decrease in meibomian secretions, leading to an unstable tear film, inflammation and potential long-term damage to the glands and eyelid margins. MGD is not generally sight threatening, but it can have a negative impact on quality of life if left untreated. Symptoms of MGD can include dryness, scratchiness, a burning sensation, and even problems with visual acuity. MGD does not usually go away on its own, and requires treatment and follow up examinations by an eye care professional. In the past, there were few treatments options for the symptoms of MGD. One of these treatments was the use of a warmed wet washcloth. This method proved to be messy, it could expose the lids to unsafe levels of heat at the start of treatment, and a washcloth doesn’t hold heat long enough for treatment to be effective. The Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress is a better option for those who suffer from the symptoms of MGD, and is also an effective treatment for Blepharitis and Chronic Dry Eye. Unlike a washcloth, the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress was specifically designed to conveniently deliver a safe, sustained, uniform moist heat treatment that lasts up to fifteen minutes without ever needing to add water. The Compress is filled with patented MediBeads. When cool, MediBeads absorb water molecules from the surrounding air deep into the bead. The beads are naturally anti-bacterial and keep the stored water clean. When you’re ready to begin treatment, the Compress is simply microwaved for 20 to 25 seconds. Once heated, the MediBeads begin releasing the stored moisture in the form of a warm, deeply penetrating moist heat. The Bruder Moist Heat Compress is worn for 10 to 15 minutes, and will maintain prescribed heat levels for the entire treatment. The moist heat safely liquefies solidified oils in the blocked glands, causing them to open. With regular daily use, these glands will remain open, and you will experience a more stable tear film, improved oil gland function, and slower tear evaporation. Treatment can be repeated as often as necessary, typically one or two times a day. The compress can be washed when needed, and will last 6 to 9 months with frequent daily use. The Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress with patented MediBeads is an effective, easy to use and affordable treatment to reduce the symptoms of dry eye caused by MGD, Chronic Dry Eye Disease, and Blepharitis. Ask your doctor how the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress can become a part of your daily eye care regimen.