Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that occurs when the oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged. The common, often-chronic condition is not typically contagious and doesn’t cause serious harm to the eye. It can be uncomfortable, causing irritation, redness, swelling, and flaking on the eyelids. Symptoms are generally manageable with medication and stringent eyelid hygiene.
The reason that the oil glands clog is unclear, but blepharitis can be associated with infection, rosacea, allergies, and dandruff of the scalp or eyebrows. A combination of bacteria and other inflammatory conditions might trigger blepharitis.
Patients with blepharitis may experience swollen, burning, crusty, and itchy eyelids. Eyes may be watery, sensitive to light, and blink more frequently to try to correct blurry vision. It can sometimes cause more serious issues, including blurry vision, swollen corneas, or eyelashes that fall out or grow in the wrong direction.
Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. An exam will be conducted of your eyelid and your eyelashes, looking carefully at the edges and the openings of the glands. In certain cases, your doctor might swab the oil or crust that forms on your eyelid to check for bacteria, fungi, or evidence of an allergy.
The symptoms of blepharitis may be eased by using warm compresses, washing the eyelids with gentle cleaner and patting them dry. Eye drops, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs may be prescribed. Discontinue use of eye makeup until the symptoms resolve. Your medical team at the Cizik Eye Clinic will develop a personalized treatment plan to help maintain and improve your eyesight.
The Cizik Eye Clinic opened in 2007 and is housed in Memorial Hermann Plaza at 6400 Fannin Street. It includes dozens of exam areas, multiple operating rooms, and laser suites equipped with the most sophisticated equipment available for patient care.
People travel from across the country and the world for treatment at the Cizik Eye Clinic, in part because our affiliation with the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth provides unmatched resources and expertise. Our friendly staff works diligently to make your visit pleasant and efficient, as we maximize patient flow through everything from routine eye exams to the most advanced eye surgeries.
Our physicians are faculty members at McGovern Medical School and are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or are board eligible. At the Cizik Eye Clinic, we understand that the eye is a small part of a whole patient who deserves top-notch, comprehensive care in a cutting-edge facility.
At Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, we offer patients access to highly specialized eye and vision care. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-9400, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.