Blepharitis is a condition which affects the edges of the eyelids. People with blepharitis experience symptoms of irritation and discomfort. The eyes can also feel dry or gritty. The lid margin is frequently pink and there may be crusts around the base of the eyelashes. The condition is frequently recurring or chronic. It can be associated with other skin conditions such as acne rosacea.
Blepharitis is a chronic dysfunction of the oil glands which lie along the eyelid margin. In healthy eyes the oil floats on the tear film and slows the evaporation of the tears thus helping to keep the eyes moist.
Blepharitis Treatment at the Cataract Clinic
At the Cataract Clinic we have devised a unique blepharitis treatment programme. First the patient has a full consultation with our ophthalmic surgeon to confirm the diagnosis. We also make certain that there are no other conditions which might affect the eye. We then carry out a deep cleansing protocol under a microscope. In this we soften and remove any crusts surrounding the lashes. Removing these irritants allows the eye to feel more comfortable and prepares for the next stage which is the application of antibiotic treatment. Ointment containing antibiotic is massaged into the openings of the specialised oil glands which lie along the lid edge. This penetrates down into the body of the gland and begins to reduce the numbers of bacteria living there. Bacteria live on our skin normally but in blepharitis and in some other skin conditions these bacteria overgrow and cause problems. This cleansing and antibiotic treatment takes about thirty minutes and your vision is normal afterwards. Patients may drive immediately if they wish.
We recommend at least 4 treatment sessions in total for average cases. One session per week.
Between sessions the patient will be given a cleansing solution and antibiotic ointment to apply last thing at night.
Once significant improvement has been achieved we recommend our maintenance programme using specialised products. These products are devised to promote the healthy balance of the eyelid and reduce the chance of a recurrence.
Cost
Consultation and First treatment session
£150
Subsequent treatment session (each)
£95
Cleansing solutions and antibiotic for 4 weeks are included in the above prices
