Blepharitis question

Hi All,

I've developed Blepharitis in one eye after having eye surgery
(interesting, because I've had Seborrheic Dermatitis appear on my
scalp and face after surgeries as well). My eye constantly flakes and
itches. That in itself is really not so bad, except for the potential
for causing eye infections: I've already had another eye surgery since
the appearance of the Blepharitis.

So my question: how can I clean the damn lid? I was told to use a
combination of baby shampoo with water, and just clean the eye lid.
I'm doing that, but it makes my eye really hurt and ooze puss the
following two days. This always happens (and as I said, didn't prevent
my eye from getting infected). In fact, the last time I've done a
thorough cleaning of my eye lid, it got very swollen afterwards..
which is another reason I've had to do surgery. So now I don't dare
clean anymore.

If I don't clean my eyes, they get infected and swell... if I do clean
my eyes, they swell and get infected. what do I do..?? Am I doing
something wrong with my cleaning routine?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!!!

--Dave

 

Oozy eyelids are usually bacterial blepharitis. You may also have seborrheic
blepharitis based on your skin problem, which may lead to bacterial
blepharitis.

Seborrheic blepharitis is treated with lid scrubs and steroid ointments.

Bacterial is best treated in the early stages just with hot compresses. I
usually won't use shampoo for that. Antibiotics in addition to the hot soaks
only if needed. Hot soaks with a wet towel is done for about 5-10 minutes,
keeping it hot, about twice a day for 2-4 weeks.

The bacteria come from the skin, and will therefore keep reinfecting
susceptible oil glands.


David Robins, MD
Board certified Ophthalmologist
Pediatric and strabismus subspecialty
Member of AAPOS
(American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)

 

Many thanks for the detailed reply
I'm not sure though, how will the hot soaks help remove the coating of
dirt that is on my eyelids? To remove it I have to scrub quite hard,
which at times make my eye really hurt and swell (and as I said, last
time I needed surgery).
As far as I can tell, the coating IS Blepharitis, really, no? Is there
an easy solution? Using diluted baby shampoo seems not to be well with
my eye, and I haven't tried anything else..

Many thanks,
--Dave

 

Dave, I am not a vision professional, but I do know that hot soaks are
a folk remedy for infections of all kinds, and often suggested by the
medical professionals as well. Why might it help if you soak an
infected finger or apply hot compresses to eyes with blepharitis?
Probably it increases circulation to the point that your immune system
can better fight off the attacking microorganisms.

I doubt that your eyelids are that dirty. People who develop
blepharitis, or any kind of infection, are experiencing a failure of
their immune system. Anything that can stimulate proper immune
function is going to help.

Anyway, as you indicated, scrubbing too much irritates your lids, and
your skin in general. As a person who has had seborrhea most of my
life, I know how you feel.

I don't know if this information, but I've always found that swimming
in the sea helped my skin problems tremendously. In recent years, I've
found Traditional Chinese Medicine does wonders for my immune system.

Cheers,
Francine

 

Hot soaks, mainly reduce the meibomian abnormal secretions by reducing
bacterial load and softening clogged oil glands. That is the blepharitis.

The external crusting is the result of the blepharitis. Hot soaks help to
soften these deposits, so then may just wash off, or so the subsequent lid
scrubs (with or without shampoo) can remove them more easily. Just scrubbing
does little, in my opinion and experience. Removing it is important,
however, as these deposits continue to harbor bacteria.

Some company makes a shampoo substitute for cleaning the lids, but I don't
recall the name. Haven't seen it in a long time.

The swelling was a stye, a clogged oil gland that resulted from the
blepharitis.

 

Thanks for all the advice - I really really appreciate your help!!!

One last question (I promise): pretty much every time I clean my
eyelids, even when extremely gentle, and after warm compresses, my eye
lid really hurts and oozes (and sometimes swells) for around 2 days.
Is this normal for treatment for Blepharitis?? I haven't been able to
find anything about this online (every place just states I should
clean the eye lid, no mentions of pain and problem afterwards). Since
I need to do this multiple times a day, I am very concerned.. if I
react this way after one time, then what will happen if I clean 2-4
times a day? I just need to know whether this is worth the risk, as I
really don't want to have surgery again if I can prevent it..

Thanks so much,
--Dave

 

Dave you should try ther Cibavision eye scrub pads from Novartis.

http://www.drugstore.com/qxp12315_332828_sespider/eye_scrub/sterile_eye_makeup_remover_pads.htm

You pharmacy should be able to order them.
You want soft water to your house though and you
want your water to have a high pH as well as thaty really aids in lid
scrubs.

D.H.

 

Dave I have had Blepharitis for 14 years and it is Hell.
It also alters where I can live at Gonzaga.

D.H.

 

Have you tried bacitracin ointment, that is the medication of choice.

Dr. Ted Roxan
http://visionupdate.net/

 

I believe I have our current stock of Bactrician warns against getting it in
the eyes.

Have use tetracycline ointments.

Thanks for the advice.

Sincerely,

D.H.