CALLS & EMERGENCY/AFTER HOURS

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CALLS & EMERGENCY/AFTER HOURS

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Blepharitis

Blepharitis Treatment from Your Eye Care Professional in Columbia, SC

When the first signs of blepharitis appear, some patients at our Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates practice in Columbia, SC mistakenly link them to eyestrain or lack of sleep.  According to our eye care professional, the discomfort associated with this disorder results from an eyelid inflammation that might be due to any of a number of causes.  Multiple treatment options are available, depending on the type of disorder present.

Blepharitis

What is Blepharitis?

The inflammation characteristic of blepharitis causes red, itchy, irritated eyes.  Our eye doctor notes that it typically affects both eyelids and the portion of the lid where eyelashes grow.  It develops when oil glands around the base of lashes clog.

Common causes of clogging include:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Rosacea
  • Allergies
  • Oil glands that are blocked or malfunctioning
  • Eyelash lice or mites

Several distinct blepharitis types and symptoms exist.  Patients in our optometry practice complain of red, watery eyes and a sensation of grittiness, stinging, or burning.  Some report greasy eyelids, flaking skin around their eyes, or crusted eyelashes when they awaken.  Light sensitivity, increased blinking, and eyelid sticking are common.  In some cases, eyelashes grow abnormally or disappear.

The most likely complications include dry eyes or excessive tearing, trouble wearing contact lenses, injury to a cornea, chronic conjunctivitis, and development of a stye.  Some individuals also experience eyelid scarring.

Treatment Options from Our Eye Doctor

Our eye doctor diagnoses blepharitis during a comprehensive vision exam.  The most appropriate therapy depends on which of four types of disorder is present.  The objective for most is keeping eyelids clean and crust-free.

Patients benefit from a regimen of application of warm compresses to loosen any crusts followed by gently scrubbing lids with a mixture of baby shampoo and water or a non-prescription lid cleanser.  An antibiotic might be necessary to clear up a bacterial infection.

Some patients in our optometry practice find these steps helpful:

  • Avoiding wearing contacts during treatment
  • Massaging lids to clear out blocked oil glands
  • Applying prescribed artificial tear products or lubricants
  • Avoiding or limiting eye makeup during treatment
  • Washing the scalp with an anti-dandruff shampoo

This condition seldom completely disappears and sometimes reoccurs even following successful treatment.

Schedule an Exam with Our Columbia, SC Eye Care Professional

Vision is priceless.  Whether family members are children, adults, or seniors, they deserve the best vision care available.  Our Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates practice in Columbia, SC provides full optometric services to care for the medical health of your eyes and make sure you enjoy optimal sight.  Be sure to take a moment to call us today at (803) 254-6306 to schedule your next exam with our eye care professional.

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed