Are your eyelids red, sore, or swollen? You could be having blepharitis. This eye condition makes the eyes itchy and causes dandruff-like scales to form on your eyelashes. At Dr. Rigney Eye Care & Eyewear, we have years of experience providing residents of Bartlesville, Collinsville, and Owasso with blepharitis treatment. Because there is a lot to learn about blepharitis, Dr. Rigney has compiled the answers to questions he frequently receives regarding blepharitis.

What Causes Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common eye condition that is caused by a reaction to Staphylococcus bacteria. Furthermore, seborrheic dermatitis — a skin condition like the one that causes dandruff on the scalp — can cause the skin to become oily or flaky and can affect the eyelids.

Is Blepharitis Contagious?

No –if your kid is affected, they can continue attending school.

What are the Symptoms of Blepharitis?

Blepharitis can affect one eye or both. Common symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Itchy flaky eyelids
• Red and swollen eyelids
• Sticky secretions at the corner of the eyes
• Itchy red eyes
• Eye pain
• Excessive tearing
• Dry eyes
• Burning or gritty sensation
• Light sensitivity

If you notice one or a combination of the above symptoms, it’s wise to visit an optometrist for a proper diagnosis.

How Is Blepharitis Diagnosed?

Blepharitis can be difficult to diagnose because the causes are many. Our eye doctor will use a combination of the below steps to diagnose blepharitis.

• Taking medical history to determine if you have other health conditions
• External eyelid examination
• Lab testing of the eye discharge
• Tear test to pinpoint whether or not dry eye is the cause
• Eyelash exam under a microscope

In rare cases, eyelid biopsy may be conducted to rule out skin cancer or abnormal cell growth.

How is Blepharitis Treated?

The good news is that blepharitis is manageable, allowing you to go back to your normal life. After running numerous tests and confirming the type of blepharitis you have, our optometrist may administer treatments, including:

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatories
• Immunomodulators

Where blepharitis is triggered by dandruff or dry eye, shampoos and eye drops may be administered to treat the root cause.

Where Can I Have Blepharitis Treated?

Blepharitis and its symptoms are never fun. If you are in Bartlesville, Collinsville, and Owasso areas, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay Rigney for blepharitis relief. We accept EyeMed to ensure that you get the best eye care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (918) 272-3937.