Effective Home Care Routine for Blepharitis Symptoms

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can be caused by excess bacteria, clogged oil glands, allergens, demodex mites and/or certain skin conditions. Common signs include itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusty build-up around the lashes. As an optometrist, I recommend taking a daily home care approach to reduce uncomfortable symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Key Signs & Symptoms of Blepharitis 🔎

• Crusty eyelids especially upon waking
• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
• Burning or itchiness
• Red, irritated eyelid rims
• Excessive tearing or dryness
• Puffy eyelids

Step-by-Step Home Care Routine for Blepharitis 🏠

Staying consistent with an eyelid hygiene routine is essential for relieving blepharitis. Incorporate the following steps into your daily schedule:

• Focused Eye Roll: To soften and loosen eyelash/eyelid debris, run under warm-hot water and roll over closed eyes for 30 seconds. To address puffy eyes, run under cold water and roll over closed eyes for 30 seconds.  
• Eyelid Margin Scrub: Gently scrub the eyelid margin (where the lash meets the eyelid) - scrub with a tea tree based cleansing oil & an eyelid margin scrub brush. This will remove bacteria and buildup.
• Eyelash Cleansing: Precisely remove eyelash debris stuck at the base with a pH balanced hypochlorous eyelid and eyelash spray & a brush to reach in between the eyelashes for best results.
  
• Gentle Massage: The rolling action of Focused Eye Roll over the eyelids promotes healthy oil gland function and improve tear quality.
• Artificial Tears: Keep eyes lubricated with preservative-free artificial tears if dryness is present. Try Optase (the one with the yellow cap).
• Wash Your Eyelids: Keep eyes clean by washing away the sources of inflammation. Use tea tree oil based, tea tree extract infused, or fatty acid based foaming cleansers. 
  
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and stay hydrated to support optimal eye health.
• Oral Supplements: Taking supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids in addition to a healthy diet can help blepharitis symptoms. Try PRN DE3 and/or Hydroeye by Science Based Health.

Extra Tips & Precautions Nobody Loves 💡

• No Eye Makeup: Heavy eye makeup, water lining eyeliner, or waterproof mascara during flare-ups will likely just cause further irritation.
• No Contact Lenses: Allow your blepharitis to heal by wearing glasses, not contacts. 
• Daily Contact Lenses: If you must wear contact lenses and you are susceptible to blepharitis, gotta switch to daily replacement contact lenses.
• Stop Touching Your Eyes: Reduce the spread of germs by washing hands thoroughly before touching the eyes. 
• Commit to Your Eye Care Routine: Ask your optometrist for a personalized eye care routine that addresses your specific blepharitis type and blepharitis severity. It takes work.

Following these simple steps every day can help manage symptoms and keep blepharitis under control.

About Dr. Tanya Gill, OD & We Love Eyes

Dr. Tanya Gill, OD, Founder of We Love Eyes, is committed to promoting healthy eyelid hygiene and effective home care for blepharitis. Explore her recommended products and eye care routines for blepharitis here.