Eyelid Inflammation: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Eyelid forms that part of the skin which protects and covers our eyes from injury and debris. The short, curved hair follicles at the edge contain oil glands. Eyelids disorders get triggered when the oil glands become irritated or clogged. It is also known as Blepharitis. Anterior eyelid inflammation might be the result of dandruff on eyebrows and reactions to allergies in your eyes. The inner edge of the eyelids is the ones which get affected by inflammation. Inflammation can also be caused due to the oil gland malfunctioning which is located behind eyelashes. The major causes of eyelid inflammation are lice or mites existing in eyelash, an infection caused due to bacteria, side effects of medication, malfunctioning of the oil gland.

Common symptoms of eyelid inflammation include itchiness in eyelids, swelling in eyelids, reddishness or inflammation in eyelids, oiliness in eyelids, watery eyes, an appearance of crust on your eyelashes, sensitivity to light. If the inflammation seems to occur outside the eyes where eyelids exist, it is called anterior eye inflammation. When the inflammation occurs on the inner side and edge of the eye, it is called Posterior eye inflammation.

Eye inflammation can be diagnosed by an eye doctor, an internist or a family doctor. The condition of the eye is diagnosed through a physical examination. A specialized magnifying tool is used for a closer examination of the eye. This physical examination is performed to observe inflammation along with the presence of fungi, virus or bacteria. Also, it checks infections. If any symptoms are observed, fluid seeping out of eyes is collected by swabbing your eye and sent for an examination under a microscope.

Inflammation can be reduced by warm compress on eyes and washing our eyes with water. Treatments are recommended depending upon how severe the inflammation is and whether it has triggered any infection.

1. Steroid treatment: If your physical examination doesn’t indicate an infection, your treatment will be comprised of eye drops, ointment, steroids which can reduce the inflammation. In order to prevent irritation, eye drops which have lubricating properties will be prescribed.
2. Antibiotics Eyelid infections are often effectively treated using antibiotics. Antibiotics can take up anyone from among pill, ointment or liquid drop form. When an infection is found beyond eyelids, drops are prescribed.
3. Eyelid scrubs Scrubs are prescribed to remove biofilm from being buildup and excess bacterial from margins of eyelids. Scrubs can reduce bacteria activity and mites on your eyelids. The prescription will be comprised of cleansers such as Avenova, cleansing pads namely ocusoft and systane or it will be diluted baby shampoo.
4. In office treatment For an effective treatment, procedures other than medications and eye scrubs are preferred. They include BlephEx treatment which is a debridement in margin using an electromechanical lid. This can efficiently remove biofilm, mites, and bacteria from eyelids and meibomian glands.

   The material which obstructs the meibomian glands is melted using thermal pulsation treatment. Clogged and inflamed eyelid glands are exposed to intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to bring to normal flow and an open position which fill oil into the tear film.

People who feel the symptoms of eyelid inflammation and the same persist even after washing with water and application of warm compress can be diagnosed for inflammation. Those who are identified with symptoms of eyelid inflammation by a registered surgeon can avail the required treatment. Stinging or burning eyes, itchiness in eyelids, the presence of dandruff in eyelashes base, feeling of the foreign body even after washing and applying warm compression, then he can approach a surgeon for treatment. When a person feels severe eye pain especially when exposed to brightness, he/she can be considered for treatment.

Those who are allergic to medications and are having severe health problems must reveal their medical history before taking treatment. One who is not having any symptoms of eyelid inflammation or uvea are not supposed to undertake any treatment. He /she will be considered ineligible for the treatment if he/she is not recognized with any symptoms of the same.

The medications are mostly antibiotic and steroid drugs and immunosuppressant. Steroids and immune suppressants pose a number of side effects such as damage to kidneys, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, osteoporosis, glaucoma. One may experience mood swings, weight gain, muscle weakness, reduced resistance towards infection, swelling and acne in the face, stomach pain and irritation. There might be disturbances in sleep, nervousness, excessive retention of water in the body. Body hair seems to grow for some people abnormally.

Clean your eyelids daily gently so that bacteria don’t build up. This can prevent the growth of demoting mites and biofilm in the eyelids. They have prescribed cleansing products for eyelids which is more effective than counterparts and baby shampoo. One who has undergone treatment for eyelid inflammation can use reusable contact lenses. Photochromic lenses recommended for those having sensitivity towards a light. There are options for disposable contacts and permeable gas contacts which can keep one at reduced risks of inflammation again in the future. It will always advisable to carry steroids drops with you after the treatment. A doctor may advise you to take supplements of omega-3 fatty acids which can keep the eye glands healthy and will keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

It is a chronic condition which doesn’t have any cure in specific. It can last for long-term or whole life. Medications and remedies help to fight the symptoms and manage the condition from becoming worse. You need to be cautious after the treatment so that infection can be prevented and risk of inflammation is reduced.

There are different treatments prescribed according to the severity of the inflammation. In general, the antibiotics and steroids start around Rs 20. Medications will cost on average of Rs 18. If your surgeon is performing any cleaning procedure using a medical instrument, then you can expect the average cost around Rs 2500- Rs 3000.

The results are not permanent as some of these are caused by toxic substances while others are autoimmune in nature. The body seems to attack itself. Medications are given to control the symptoms and inflammation and to prevent infection. It is hard to find a lifetime cure for this disease. It is found to repeat again and again depending upon the body condition.

1. Applying warm tea bags, especially black tea can help you to lower the signs and symptoms of inflammation and swelling.
2. Oils and foods which can fight dandruff would also prevent the symptoms. Keep blinking your eyes so that swelling and reddishness won’t build up. This can also prevent blockages which causes inflammation by secreting oil in meibomian glands.
3. Dip a towel or cloth in cold water or wrap an ice cube in cloth. Gently applying pressure on the affected area can reduce the swelling.
4. Tea tree oil can fight dandruff and has soothing effects which will reduce dryness in the skin. This can be one of the alternatives.
5. Avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses during the treatment.
6. Eat anti-inflammatory foods such as almonds, dry, and walnuts. This can reduce the symptoms naturally.
7. Eat organic fruits and vegetables which can boost the immune system and strengthen the skin cells by supplying Vitamins A, C, and E.