Chronic or long-term inflammation of the eyelids is known as blepharitis. It is a common problem affecting people of all ages. Common causes include; poor eyelid hygiene, excess oil produced by glands in the eyelids, a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction. Typical symptoms include a sandy or gritty feeling, dryness or burning, itching and even watering. Typical signs include: scales or flakes along the eyelashes, redness along the eyelid margins and occasional sticking together of the eyelids. Blepharitis usually causes minor discomfort, but can progress to be more severe if left untreated.

Proper Technique

Warm Compresses

• Heat a washcloth with warm tap water.
• Apply warm washcloth to closed lids for 1-2 minutes.
• Reheat and reapply washcloth repeatedly for 5-15 minutes.
  
  Lids Scrubs
  
• Heat a washcloth with warm tap water.
• Apply a dime size drop of baby shampoo to the heated washcloth and lather.
• Gently close eyelids and scrub along the lid margins.
• If necessary, carefully clean around the base of the eyelashes with a Q-Tip or corner of washcloth.
• Perform 1-2 times per day for one week, then 2-3 times per week thereafter.
  
  Ointments
  
• Perform warm compresses and lid scrubs.
  Squeeze up to a 1⁄4 inch of ointment along inside lower
• eyelids of both eyes.
• Gently close eye while looking up, down, left and right to spread the ointment.
• Dab and spread a small amount of extra ointment on the outside of the closed eyelid margins.
• Wait 5 minutes and gently wipe excess ointment off with a tissue or washcloth.
• Ointment will blur vision. Apply just before bedtime.