The eyelids perform many important functions, including protecting and lubricating the eye, producing oil secretions, and helping to drain away tears. The following conditions are usually not serious and can often be easily treated. Contact us at Atlantic Vision Center to treat these conditions, which can be uncomfortable, unattractive, and can lead to more serious problems. *Blepharitis is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelid margins, or the edges of the eyelids. This condition frequently occurs in people who have a tendency towards oily skin, dandruff, or dry eyes. Blepharitis can begin in early childhood, producing granulated eyelids, and continue throughout life as a chronic condition. It can also develop later in life. …show more content…
This can lead to a more serious complication: inflammation of the eye tissues, particularly the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). The best treatment? A warm compress, with a gel pack, for 5 minutes once a day. This will soften and loosen scales and debris. More importantly, it helps liquefy the oily secretions from the oil glands of the lids that help prevent the development of a chalazion, an inflamed lump in an eyelid oil gland. Using a commercial lint-free pad (Ocusoft), gently scrub the base of the lashes about 15 seconds per lid. Alternatively, using diluted baby shampoo, cover your finger with a thin washcloth and gently scrub the base of the lashes about 15 seconds per lid. If an antibiotic ointment has been prescribed, apply a dab at the base of the lashes (usually at bedtime), using your fingertip or a cotton swab. *A chalazion results from a blockage at one or more of the small oil producing glands found in the upper and lower eyelids. Symptoms can include inflammation and swelling in the form of a round lump within the eyelid that may or may not be painful. If the chalazion becomes infected, the eyelid can become swollen, inflamed, and more