If your eyelids are inflamed, red, swollen, burning or sore, or your eyelashes are crusted, you may have a condition called blepharitis. It’s a common eye condition that may be acute or chronic, which means it could last for a short period of time or it may persist for months or even years. Dry eyelids or itchy eyelids can be uncomfortable and distracting. For anyone who has these symptoms, it may be difficult to think about anything other than how to relieve itchy eyes.
There are many disorders that can affect your eyes, eyelids and eyelashes, and you shouldn’t wait to get anything unusual checked out by the best blepharitis specialists near me in New York City at Eye Physicians. If you need treatment for itchy eyes, routine eye care or emergency eye care in the Manhattan area, there’s no better choice than Eye Physicians. Comprehensive eye care is available for people of all ages, and a pediatric eye doctor is available for eye problems affecting children.
Bacteria is always present on the skin, but if there’s an overgrowth of bacteria at the base of the eyelids or eyelashes, it can cause an infection that leads to itchy eyes and itchy eyelids. Other causes of blepharitis include:
Some parasites live in human skin, such as demodex mites or eyelash lice. Just about everyone has these parasites, but an overgrowth of mites or lice in the eyelids or eyelashes can lead to blocked follicles, irritation and inflammation. Mites are also associated with acne rosacea.
Your risk of developing dry or itchy eyelids increases if you have certain health conditions such as diabetes. If you live or work in a dry environment or spend most of your time in air conditioning, it can cause or worsen eye irritation and lead to the need for eye irritation treatment.
When eyelids are inflamed, they can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have blepharitis, your eyelids may appear red or swollen and both your eyes and eyelids may be itchy. Other symptoms you may experience include:
You may have a gritty sensation that feels like something’s in your eye and there may be pus or a discharge coming from your eye. Your eyelids may appear greasy or may stick together.
To diagnose this condition, your New York ophthalmologist reviews your medical history to see what risk factors or other medical conditions you have. Cultures may be taken if there’s discharge coming from the eye, which can determine if there’s a bacterium causing the discharge. Eyelashes can be examined under a microscope to determine if there are mites or other parasites.
When symptoms such as dry eyelids or itchy eyelids begin, the first thing to consider is how to relieve itchy eyelids at home. Once he’s examined your eyes thoroughly, your eye doctor may recommend some things you can do at home for itchy eyelids treatment that may include:
Avoid eye makeup while eyelids are inflamed. If you wear makeup but frequently have dry eyelids or itchy eyelids, be sure to remove all makeup before going to bed. Keep your scalp, hands and face as clean as possible and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. If you have dandruff, use an antidandruff shampoo for your scalp and eyebrows.
When self-care at home doesn’t provide relief, your NYC eye care center offers other types of blepharitis treatment near me. Some blepharitis treatment options include:
Your doctor may use a combination of different approaches such as prescribing both steroids and antibiotics. If your blepharitis doctor has determined your itchy eyelids are caused by skin mites, you may receive a prescription for an anti-parasitic medication.
Debris and bacterial buildup from blepharitis can damage the eyelid and the surface of the eye. Complications that can develop from untreated blepharitis include:
Seek expert eye care at the first sign of blepharitis or if you experience symptoms that concern you such as vision changes, light sensitivity, eye pain or eye redness. The team of eye specialists at Eye Physicians is dedicated to providing the best possible diagnosis and treatment of eye problems. Contact them today to make an appointment.
Entrust the care of your precious eyesight to highly skilled and experienced eye care professionals. For top-notch ophthalmologists and optometrists in Downtown Manhattan, choose Eye Physicians. Eye Physicians ensures prompt care, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans.
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