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| Blepharitis is a reddening of the eye lids caused by inflammation
or infection that must be managed before Lasik laser eye
surgery. |
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Blepharitis is a contraindication for most cornea-based refractive surgery techniques, including conventional or wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik, unless the blepharitis is very mild and/or is fully
under control. Blepharitis is a consideration for P-IOL, and RLE, but does not seem to be as critical.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It is a very common
condition that can be associated with a low grade bacterial infection
(staphylococcal blepharitis) or a generalized skin condition (seborrheic
blepharitis). Blepharitis is seen most commonly in adults.
Causes of Blepharitis
Factors believed to contribute to blepharitis include abnormalities
in oil gland function and an alteration in bacterial colonies that
normally live on the skin. Blepharitis is not contagious and cannot
be passed from one person to another.
People with blepharitis will have red eyelid margins and persistent
ocular irritation, however there are other ocular problems that
will have similar symptoms. An ophthalmologist can help definitively
diagnose this condition by careful examination of the eyelid margins.
In some instances, dry eye symptoms and underlying skin conditions
can be associated with blepharitis.
The inflammation around the eyelids characteristic of blepharitis
can be improved by increased lid hygiene. Gently scrubbing the eyelid
margins with baby shampoo diluted with water can decrease the amount
of flaking skin and oil in the area. A cotton tipped applicator
or a washcloth wrapped around the index finger can be used to apply
the shampoo.
Treatment
Warm compresses applied to the lids for several minutes a day
can also be helpful. In some select cases, your ophthalmologist
may also choose to prescribe an antibiotic ointment or drop. Restasis is a cyclosporine eye drop that has been shown to be
very helpful for blepharitis.
Blepharitis is a chronic condition that often requires long-term
treatment in order to prevent exacerbations.
Looking For Best Lasik Surgeon?
If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional
or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, or any refractive surgery procedure, we recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization.
Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Doctor.
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