Blepharitis

[Golden87]

hi

I have rheumatoid arthritis, herpes simplex in my right eye and acute glaucoma caused by the treatment for my eye. I’ve now got blepharitis in both my eyes which has just started on Monday after my infusion for my arthritis. I went to the doctor and they said just use baby shampoo but my eyes are so sore and itxhy I just want to scratch them out. Can anyone recommend me to do anything? Ok using dry eye drops in both eyes at the moment to try and keep them lubricated but I’m so worried that I will get an infection. I asked the doctor if they could prescribe me some amoxicillin to get rid of any bugs but they said not until it got much worse

[Nikul]

I use ocusoft foam, platinum is more soothing and of course more expensive! With a v soft organic cotton wipe, in the morning and night, let it dry naturally after massaging across and up and down for aprox 7 times. It takes a while to get relief but for me it works. If I miss, it gets sore again. Have glaucoma and recently reluctantly started Monopost , one drop at night, after I op not worked after 2nd zapping, lasted 4 yrs without medication so felt worth it!

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello,

There are products specifically for Blepharitis called Blephaclean. I think they are a bit expensive compared to other products on the market, but callers have told me they find in beneficial and worth the money. We produce a leaflet on Blepharitis which you may find helpful. I have attached the link below.

glaucoma.uk/product/blephar...

In winter, the cold weather, strong winds and central heating can make dry eyes worse.

Here are a few things you can do that may help. These will be helpful anytime of the year, but especially in the colder months.

Using a humidifier

Central heating can cause the air to become dry and stuffy. Using a humidifier can help. These are inexpensive and can be bought at department stores or online. You can buy ceramic ones designed for hanging on the radiator. You just fill them with water and hang them. If you have radiator covers fitted, they humidifier should fit onto any vent at the front of the covers. Other humidifiers are available, and prices vary greatly, so it a good idea to shop around.

Protecting your eyes from the cold weather

Wear wraparound glasses when you go out to protect your eyes. These can stop the wind getting to the eyes and causing them to water. If you wear glasses, there are wraparounds that fit over glasses so don’t worry about getting ones with a prescription.

Increasing your dry eye drops

You may find that the number of dry eye drops you use, do not soothe your eyes as well as they did in the warmer weather. Try increasing the number of times you use them. If you find an improvement by increasing the number of times you use them, stick to that number each day. You can carry on with this throughout the year if you feel the benefits of doing so.

Other things you can do throughout the year

Heated eye masks

Using a heated eye mask. There are different types available from the pharmacy online. Ones that you heat in the microwave or others where you charge up with a USB lead. Many pharmacist sell them, or they are available to purchase online.

The heat from the mask will stimulate the natural oils in the eye and soothe them. You can use them as often as you need too.

Oily fish and Supplements

Eating oily fish 2-3 times a week. You can also take an Omega 3 capsule each morning instead if you’re not really a fish eater.

Keep well hydrated

It is recommended to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.

[PeterRabbit62 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

I have been using a heated eye mask for my Blepharitis, I was told not to use baby shampoo by my Opthalmologist, I see in the leaflet sent that it saids to use baby shampoo, I suppose all Opthalmologists are different.

[Choirlover]

I have had blepharitis for some years, well before I was diagnosed with glaucoma and I use Blephasol which you can get from any good opticians or chemist. It is expensive at approx £12 a bottle but it last for months. I use it every morning with a cotton wool bud (one clean one for each eye) to clean my eye margins and if I get itchiness I use it during the day. I was told baby shampoo by the GP but it did not work for me and my optician recommended Blephasol and I can’t rate it highly enough. It does not necessarily work for everyone but it certainly works for me. Worth trying.

[muddledme]

Hello Golden87,

I hope your eyes are improving with all the suggestions.

For a while I have used Thealoz Duo eye Gel at night then revert to Thealoz Duo during the day. This seems to have relieved the dry eyes quite well.

The gel is trickey to get in the eyes but I am learning to be patient. The other problem is that it also tends to cause blurry vision for a short time.

These two Thealoz drops seem far longer lasting than others.

Best wishes

[Supersec]

I used to use Blephasol or Blephaclens wipes just to clean my eyes in the mornings but I discovered that Blephasol is described as a micellar based solution so now I just buy Micellar water from the supermarket along with lubricating drops which I get on prescription.

[Nonswimmer]

I would not use baby shampoo near my eyes, I had severe blepharitis consultant reccomended Blepharclean wipes for use after eye drops and double base gel in a tube very lightly applied on eye lids they can be purchased from Boots and opticians, my blepharitis is under control. I have purchased cheap sking goggles which proctect my eyes on cold windy days. Good Luck.