Eyelid inflammation: Causes and treatment
Eyelid inflammation is redness and swelling of the eyelid that often is accompanied by a burning sensation or pain. A variety of things can trigger eyelid inflammation, including infection, irritation and allergic reactions. Mild cases of inflammation of the eyelids can sometimes be successfully managed with home remedies, such as applying a cool compress to your closed eyes. But before beginning any kind of home remedy, you should see an eye doctor to determine the underlying cause of eyelid inflammation and whether medical treatment is needed.
The most common type of eyelid inflammation is blepharitis, which usually is caused by having too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes.
What causes eyelid inflammation?
Eyelid inflammation can occur as a result of many factors and conditions, including:
Bacterial infections
Injuries to the eyelids
Parasites, such as eyelash lice or eyelash mites
Skin conditions, such as eyelid eczema, ocular rosacea and eyelid psoriasis
Eyelid inflammation symptoms
Irritation and discomfort are common occurrences with eyelid inflammation. You may also experience other symptoms of eyelid inflammation, including:
Crustiness along the lash line
Burning or stinging
Watery eyes
Feeling as though something is in your eye
Many of these symptoms can also be associated with eye conditions that are different (and in some cases more severe) than eyelid inflammation alone. Be sure to let your eye doctor know which symptoms you have experienced, as this will help provide a more accurate diagnosis.
Treatment for eyelid inflammation
Treatment for eyelid inflammation depends on the underlying cause for each specific case.
Before treatment begins, your optometrist or ophthalmologist needs to examine your eyes to give a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
General treatment for eyelid inflammation can range from a gentle eyelid scrub and eye drops to a variety of medical procedures, including a specialized light therapy.
Eyelid scrub
A gentle scrub can help remove bacteria and buildup from the eyelid. Your eye doctor may prescribe a special cleaning solution to apply to your lid or suggest a mild and diluted baby shampoo that is safe for eyes.
Applying a warm or cool compress to the area (in addition to an eyelid scrub) may also help improve your condition.
Medical procedure
For more severe cases of eyelid inflammation, your eye doctor may suggest an eyelid hygiene procedure in their office, such as:
Thermal pulsation treatment, which helps melt away buildup that may be clogging glands and causing inflammation.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, which helps open up clogged glands and promotes a healthy flow of oils into the tear film.
Electromechanical lid margin debridement, which removes bacteria, eyelash mites and buildup, while helping to open clogged glands.
Medicated eye drops or ointments
A medicated ointment or eye drops may be prescribed to clear up bacteria that is causing eyelid inflammation. The specific type of drops or ointment (antibiotics, steroids, etc.) may vary depending on whether or not the inflammation is accompanied by dry eyes, an infection or another problem.
Treatment for eyelid inflammation caused by an injury
Eyelid inflammation or swollen eyelids can be triggered by events such as eye injuries, as well as allergic reactions to cosmetics and other irritants. These conditions should receive primary treatment.
In some cases of injuries and allergic reactions, inflammation may occur around the entire area of the eye, rather than the eyelid alone. Inflammation is typically managed during the course of treatment recommended for an injury or allergy/allergic reaction.
READ MORE: 7 common eye injuries and how to treat them
Complications and related conditions
Eyelid inflammation can become a chronic condition and may recur for some people. Additional eye problems can develop for those who suffer from chronic eyelid inflammation, including the following:
Eyelash problems and eyelash loss
Chronic bacterial pink eye (conjunctivitis), which, when combined with eyelid inflammation creates a condition called blepharoconjunctivitis
Cornea problems
Dry eye blepharitis syndrome (DEBS)
Dry eye often occurs at the same time as eyelid inflammation. It happens so frequently that researchers believe the two conditions are two parts of an overarching condition called dry eye blepharitis syndrome (DEBS).
These researchers theorize that eyelid inflammation leads to dry eyes and that the treatment for one condition actually works for both.
Preventing eyelid inflammation
If you wear contact lenses, it is important to stop wearing them as soon as any eye irritation occurs. No matter what condition is diagnosed, removing contact lenses from irritated eyes is an important first measure for treatment.
Keeping your eyes and eyelids clean is important to prevent buildup from bacteria, dandruff, mites and more from causing eyelid inflammation.
A nutritional supplement (omega-3 fatty acids, etc.) may help reduce eyelid inflammation associated with dry eyes.
See your eye doctor for regular eye exams and don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if a problem such as eyelid inflammation arises.
Page published on Monday, February 22, 2021
