Blepharitis

Waking up with red, irritated eyes and crusty eyelids is no way to start your day. Board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon Stanley Rosenberg, MD, and Peter Gomez, OD, at Rosenberg Eye Center Inc., diagnose and treat blepharitis for patients in Miami, Tavernier, and Key West, Florida. With personalized, one-on-one care, the expert team helps relieve your symptoms while addressing the underlying cause to support healthier, more comfortable eyes. Call Rosenberg Eye Center Inc today or book an appointment online at your convenience.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation along the edges of your eyelids where your eyelashes grow. It develops when the tiny oil glands near your eyelashes become clogged or irritated, leading to redness, itching, burning, and crusting around your eyelids. 

Contributing factors include:

• Dry eye disease
• Blocked oil glands
• Bacteria on your eyelids
• Rosacea
• Allergies

Blepharitis isn’t contagious, and it won’t compromise your vision, but it can become chronic. At Rosenberg Eye Center Inc, your skilled provider customizes your care by identifying the cause of your symptoms rather than simply treating the irritation, and then develops a treatment plan to fit your specific needs. 

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Blepharitis symptoms often come and go, but they can get worse during allergy season or if you’ve been on screens for long periods of time. You may mistake blepharitis for simple eye irritation, but ongoing inflammation can affect your comfort and eye health if left untreated.

Telltale symptoms include:

• Red, swollen eyelids
• Itching or burning eyes
• Crusting around your eyelashes, especially after sleeping
• Watery eyes
• Dry, gritty, or sandy sensations in your eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision that improves with blinking

During your visit, your provider performs a comprehensive eye examination to evaluate your eyelids, tear film, and overall eye health. They also look for related conditions, such as dry eye syndrome or meibomian gland dysfunction, which commonly occur alongside blepharitis. By identifying all the possible contributing factors, your provider can recommend treatments that provide longer-lasting symptom relief.

How is blepharitis treated?

Blepharitis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, improving your eyelid hygiene, and managing the underlying cause. Because the condition can easily recur, developing a consistent treatment routine can make a difference in keeping your eyes comfortable.

Your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Warm compresses to loosen blocked oils
• Eyelid cleansing
• Artificial tears for dry eye relief
• Prescription antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications
• Treatment for dry eye disease

Dr. Rosenberg's experience as an ophthalmologist, combined with his certification in internal medicine, provides insight into how systemic health conditions can affect your eyes. This comprehensive approach is especially helpful if you have diabetes or autoimmune disorders that may contribute to chronic eyelid inflammation.

If crusty eyelids are affecting your comfort, effective blepharitis treatment can help relieve symptoms and support healthier eyes. Call Rosenberg Eye Center Inc or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.