Bradley Walsh reveals he suffers from blepharitis
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The Chase presenter, Bradley Walsh, recently revealed he is having surgery to help treat his blepharitis. What is the condition and what are the three main signs warning of your risk?
“Blepharitis can develop at any age, but it is more common in people over 40, began Giles Edmonds from Specsavers.
He added: “Symptoms of the condition include itchy and sore eyelids, eyelids that stick together and are difficult to open, particularly when you wake-up as well as crusty or greasy eyelashes.
When asked what causes the condition Mr Edmonds answered: “Blepharitis can be caused by an infection, or it can be a complication of a skin condition such as seborrhoeric dermatitis, which causes the skin to become oily or flaky, or rosacea, which causes the face to appear red and blotchy.
“While it is usually a long-term condition, most people experience repeated episodes broken up by symptomless periods.”
The three main signs you may be at risk of the condition include:
Itchy eyes.
Red eyes or eyelids.
Eyelids sticking together in the morning when you wake up.
Dr Susan Sarangapani, consultant surgeon at OCL Vision added: “The condition is caused when the meibomian glands within the eyelids become blocked or damaged and stop producing crucial oils that help your tears hydrate the eyes effectively.
“This dry eye can lead to inflamed eyelids, which in turn can cause crusting around the eyelids, followed by itching and burning.
“It is important to note that it is not a sight-threatening condition, but it can be very uncomfortable, unsightly and cause some vision problems.
“There are a wide variety of treatments depending on the severity. Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics or steroid eye drops or advise you to take omega oils and follow a good hygiene process to help unblock those eyelid glands.
“In the more serious cases of blepharitis, patients will be advised to undergo a clinical BlephEx treatment which removes the bacteria and debris responsible.
“If you suspect you have blepharitis, cleanse your eye with a flannel using comfortably hot water and give your eyelids a gentle massage and clean away any crusting. It is essential that people never attempt to clean inside the eyelid themselves, as this could provoke the inflammation further.”
How is it treated?
“A daily eyelid-cleaning routine that involves applying a warm compress – gently massaging your eyelids and wiping away any crusts – can help control the symptoms,” said Mr Edmonds.
“Medicated wipes and solutions are also effective and for more severe cases antibiotics may be required. If you have any concerns, it is always best to speak to your optometrist.”
“Sometimes a tarsal (eyelid) cyst can become swollen, inflamed and painful,” added Dr Stuart Sanders, GP at The London General Practice.
“This condition might need a minor surgical procedure, done by an eye specialist.
“However, when there is crusting, the application of warm water on a flannel or eye wipe for ten minutes twice a day, massaging the eyelid at the same time is the appropriate treatment.
“If this does not cure the condition, a doctor should be consulted because antibiotic or other applications might be appropriate.”
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