Inflamed eyelids, also called blepharitis, is something that many people suffer from at some point during their lives. Blepharitis is a commonly occurring eyelid inflammation, often associated with a bacterial eye infection, specific kinds of skin conditions, or dry eye symptoms.
Usually, symptoms include itching, burning, redness, the feeling of a gritty or foreign body in the eye, tearing and crusting around the eye. It can often be problematic to overcome, as it's chronic.
It's helpful to know, however, that there are several steps you can take to take control of blepharitis and ensure good eyelid hygiene Start with putting a warm compress, such as a washcloth, to your outer eyelids to help the crust begin to loosen before you begin the cleaning process. The warmth from the washcloth will also dislodge any remaining residue in the oil-secreting glands in your eyelids. At the start of your treatment, you might need to repeat this several times a day for approximately five minutes every time. Afterwards, you may only need to use the compress for a few minutes, once a day.
Properly cleaning your eyelids is essential to treating blepharitis, so it's best to find a proper eyelid cleanser or whatever product your optometrist recommends. Make sure to carefully massage your outer eyelids and wash any residue away when you're done.
Although uncomfortable, blepharitis isn't actually contagious at all and for the most part, does not lead to any permanent damage to your vision, so call your eye care professional about the most effective way to make sure your lids are clean and healthy.