The following was written by Bill Evans and published in the Coolum and North Shore News, Ask the Professionals page on Friday, 27th May 2011.
Q: My eyes often feel burning. Could it be blepharitis?
A: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids and is very common. The edges of the eyelids along the lashes are affected and although rarely serious, it can be an uncomfortable, persistent and irritating problem. People who have blepharitis often report dry, sore, burning or red eyes. Sometimes, blepharitis can give people the sensation that something is in their eye, or cause crusty debris around their eyes. There are a number of causes of blepharitis, it can be associated with a skin condition such as acne rosacea (oil gland dysfunction) or a bacterial infection such as staphylococcus. To treat the symptoms of blepharitis, we would normally recommend hot compresses (using a clean, warmed washcloth) followed by a specific eyelid cleanser such as SteriLid. Artificial tears and Omega 3 tablets can also help reduce the dry eye symptoms.
