INFO SHEET
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids generally caused by a bacterial infection
within the eyelid glands and eyelash follicles. It is very common, and frequently
chronic with flare-ups that require treatment. Flare-ups can be accompanied by
crusting or dandruff-like matter at the base of the eye lashes. You may also feel a
scratchy or gritty sensation, itchiness, or have dry, teary or red eyes.
Glands in the eyelids (meibomian glands) produce lubricants that help to
maintain the eye tissue. The numerous tiny gland openings in the lid margins
can become clogged by dirt, make-up or dead skin cells, preventing the
glands from releasing their contents. This can lead to inflammation and
sometimes infection.
This material needs to be removed from the lid margins. First, warm
compresses are used to soften the debris, making it easier to remove. The
warmth also helps to unplug any blocked glands and allow the lubricating
secretions to flow. To be effective, compresses must be applied for at least
ten minutes. This step is followed by massage and cleansing. If infection is
present or symptoms persist for more than 3 days despite rigorous self-care
and home treatment, speak to a qualified health care professional to rule out
other causes. Your GP may give you an antibiotic eye ointment as well.
 How to make a compress:
1) Wrap a clean washcloth or piece of towel fabric around a wooden spoon.
Wood helps retain the heat of the washcloth, and the spoon shape fits
neatly around the eye. Warm the wash cloth-and-spoon compress in a jug
of hot water (not too hot! - the compress should be comfortable to grasp in
your hand; otherwise you might scald your eyelid).
2) Apply warm spoon and cloth so that it cups the closed eyelid. Keep the
compress in this position until it cools, then re-heat in the warm water (see
above). Re-apply 3-4 times to each eye (allow at least 10 minutes on each
eye in total).

How to cleanse eyes:
Option1: Apply a mix of 1 part Baby Shampoo with 10 parts water (3 drops
baby shampoo in an eggcupful of cooled boiled water is sufficient).
Option 2: Use ¼ teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda, NOT baking
powder!) to 1 cup or ramekin dish boiled water.
Experiment to find what works best for you.
Method:
-
Using a cotton bud or a clean washcloth or pad around your finger,
lightly scrub the cleansing mix over the lid margins to remove debris.
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Do not over-scrub. Do this for several days in succession – each day
more of the debris will loosen and come away. Rinse with warm water.
After the warm compress and cleansing, gently but firmly massaging (without
squeezing!) the lids towards the margins helps remove the stale contents of
the glands and enables the secretions to flow freely again.

How to massage eyes:
- Close eyes and, starting with the upper lid, place finger in the inner corner of
the eye near the nose. Make sure that your finger is just resting on the eyelid
above the eyelashes. From there, sweep along the eyelid towards the temple.
- Do the same on the lower lid: place finger below the eyelashes at the corner
of the eyes and sweep outwards towards the temple.
- Do this routine five to ten times for thirty seconds immediately after applying
warm compress.
- Rinse eyes thoroughly again to remove the material expressed from the
glands.
-
Pat dry (and apply any prescribed ointment, if relevant).
Repeat the compress-cleansing-massage routine 3 times a day until
symptoms resolve. Within 3 days you should feel a marked improvement, and
this should continue over the week. After one week, you can reduce the
frequency of compresses, scrubs (and ointment, if relevant).
After 1-2 weeks you should be able to keep the blepharitis at bay and avoid
flare-ups without compresses and scrubs, especially if you maintain good eye
hygiene. You may find it useful to do the full treatment once a week or so for
maintenance.
Other considerations: Rubbing the infected eyelid only makes the inflammation
worse!
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