K.N.O.W. Home Health - BLEPHARITIS

BLEPHARITIS

What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis (blef-uh-RY-tis) is a condition that causes red, swollen, and irritated eyelids. It happens when the oil glands near the base of your eyelashes become clogged or infected.

This condition is not contagious and won’t damage your vision, but it can be uncomfortable. Blepharitis can come back often, so it’s important to care for your eyes every day.

What Causes Blepharitis?

Blepharitis can be caused by:

Bacteria (germs) on the skin
Clogged oil glands in the eyelids
Dandruff from the scalp or eyebrows
Allergies to makeup or contact lens solution
Skin conditions like rosacea or eczema

What Are the Symptoms?

You may notice:

Red, itchy, or burning eyelids
Crusty flakes on your lashes (like dandruff)
Watery eyes or dry eyes
A feeling like something is in your eye
Sticky or glued-shut eyelids when waking up
Sensitivity to light

How Is Blepharitis Treated?

Blepharitis can’t be cured, but it can be controlled with good eyelid hygiene:

Use a warm, wet washcloth on your eyelids for 5–10 minutes, 2 times a day
Gently clean your eyelids with eyelid wipes or baby shampoo on a cotton swab
Avoid eye makeup while symptoms are active
Use eye drops or ointments if prescribed by your doctor
Your doctor may give you antibiotic ointment or pills if there’s an infection

How to Prevent Blepharitis

To help prevent flare-ups:

Clean your eyelids every day, even when there are no symptoms
Keep your hands and face clean
Don’t share towels or eye makeup
Throw away old makeup
Wash your hair and scalp regularly to reduce dandruff

Is There a Special Diet?

There is no special diet, but eating healthy foods can help your body fight inflammation:

Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, flaxseed, or walnuts
Drink plenty of water
Avoid sugary, greasy, or processed foods that may increase inflammation

Are There Any Special Precautions?

Yes:

Don’t rub your eyes
Wash your hands before touching your face
Use only doctor-approved eye products
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
Wear glasses instead of contacts during a flare-up

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

Your eyes feel worse after a few days of treatment
Your vision becomes blurry
Your eyelid swelling gets worse
You have eye pain, especially with light
You notice yellow or green eye discharge

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER if:

You suddenly lose vision
You have severe eye pain or pressure
Your eye becomes very red and swollen with pus
You feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a fever with eye symptoms

Other Helpful Tips:

Blepharitis may come back, so stay on top of daily eye care
Don’t skip eyelid cleaning—even if your eyes feel better
Always finish the full course of antibiotics if given
Keep your follow-up appointments with your doctor

📝 Homework / Patient Assessment

Circle TRUE or FALSE for each statement.

True or False: Blepharitis is an eye disease that can spread from person to person.
True or False: A warm, wet washcloth can help with blepharitis symptoms.
True or False: You should rub your eyes when they feel itchy.
True or False: Blepharitis can be caused by clogged oil glands in the eyelids.
True or False: It’s okay to wear eye makeup during a blepharitis flare-up.
True or False: Using baby shampoo on a cotton swab is one way to clean the eyelids.
True or False: Blepharitis can cause your eyelids to feel sticky in the morning.
True or False: Washing your hands and face helps prevent blepharitis.
True or False: Blepharitis usually causes permanent vision loss.
True or False: A healthy diet with omega-3 fats may help reduce inflammation.
True or False: You should stop cleaning your eyelids once your symptoms go away.
True or False: Throwing away old makeup can help prevent eye problems.
True or False: If your eye becomes very red and swollen, you should go to the ER.
True or False: Contact lenses are safe to wear during a flare-up.
True or False: Blepharitis can cause red, itchy, and burning eyelids.
True or False: Doctors may give you antibiotics for blepharitis.
True or False: Blepharitis only happens one time and never returns.
True or False: Light sensitivity can be a symptom of blepharitis.
True or False: You should call your nurse if your vision gets blurry.
True or False: Blepharitis can be controlled by good daily eyelid hygiene.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Have you noticed redness, swelling, or crusting along your eyelids, and how often do these symptoms occur?

Do you experience burning, itching, or a gritty sensation in your eyes, and how does this affect your daily activities like reading or using a computer?

What treatments or eye care routines (such as warm compresses, eyelid scrubs, or medications) are you currently using, and how effective are they?

Have you noticed any changes in your vision, increased tearing, or sensitivity to light, and have you reported these to your doctor or nurse?