Blepharitis: Dealing With Inflamed Eyelids?
I’m wondering if you know any good long-term treatments for blepharitis? I’ve been receiving treatment from my doctor for almost two years: warm compresses, eyelid washing, flaxseed oil supplements, even a long-term course of doxycycline. While this regimen has definitely helped with the dryness, it has not helped as much with the blurry vision that seems to come with it. Any advice on natural remedies?
Andrew Weil, M.D. | October 29, 2007
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It can cause watery and red eyes, a burning sensation, itchy or swollen eyelids, blurred vision, frothy tears, and loss of eyelashes. Your eyelids may stick shut in the morning because of crusting or scales on the eyelashes or the edges of the lids.
Blepharitis can be caused by dandruff, a bacterial infection, malfunctioning oil glands in the eyelid, or acne rosacea, a skin disorder that causes redness and inflammation. Unfortunately, blepharitis often becomes chronic, meaning long-term management is crucial. Incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet can complement your eye care routine and may help control underlying inflammation associated with this condition.
Warm compresses will help loosen any crusting in the eyelashes. Afterward, I recommend using a cotton-tipped swab dipped in warm water to carefully rub the edges of your eyelids to remove scales. Try to do this twice a day – in the morning and before you go to bed. If you have dandruff, you’ll need a gentle, non-drying dandruff shampoo or a tar shampoo. Use it daily or every other day until the dandruff goes away and then use it twice a week. I also recommend treating dandruff by supplementing your diet with black currant oil or evening primrose oil to restore moisture to your skin and hair. These supplements provide GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), an essential fatty acid that promotes healthy growth of skin and hair. Try doses of 500 mg twice a day; after six to eight weeks, when you start to see improvement, cut the dose in half. I also recommend these supplements for the treatment of rosacea.
As part of your eye care routine, I suggest using calendula ointment to soothe the area and compresses cool, wet tea bags (either regular or chamomile). Soak the tea bags in hot water, allow them to cool, and then lie down and put them over your eyes.
Finally, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can help tackle inflammation, a fundamental cause of blepharitis, and may alleviate overall symptoms, contributing positively to healthy aging by addressing such chronic conditions.
Fortunately, while blepharitis can be a nuisance to deal with, it isn’t a threat to your general health.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
