5 Proven Ways of Treating Blepharitis at Home

Blepharitis is among the many common eye disorders that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Several researchers say blepharitis is the most under-diagnosed, undertreated, and underappreciated eye disease worldwide. It may not be an eye-threatening infection, but it still requires as much attention as other eye diseases. Several studies now link untreated blepharitis to cornea inflammation and eyelid cancer.

If left untreated, allergic reactions, underlying skin conditions like rosacea, and bacterial infections can cause irreversible damage to the cornea. In most cases, blepharitis occurs as an isolated event that reoccurs. Yet, whether it’s chronic or isolated, you should be able to manage blepharitis easily from home.

Standard practices like keeping the eyelid area clean and debris-free should effectively avoid blepharitis. If you have the condition, you can use natural remedies to improve the symptoms and address the root of the problem.

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common eye disorder that causes inflammation of the eyelid. Depending on the cause, blepharitis can be uncontrollably painful, irritating, and itchy. Yet, in other people, blepharitis can cause inflammation of the frontal eye tissue and blurred vision.

Since each of us has bacteria on the surface of our skins, we can’t choose where exactly these bacteria should stay. Some bacteria thrive at the eyelashes’ base, causing irritation, inflammation, and other blepharitis symptoms.

Natural Blepharitis Remedies

Home blepharitis therapies include the following:

1. Salt Water

Warm salt water is more isotonic and thus more comfortable. Saline water can quickly clear away pus, dirt, or discharge. Also, it functions like teardrops which are the eye’s natural way of cleansing. Most eye care professionals recommend a simple hot compress with a face flannel.

If you already have the symptoms of blepharitis, you should apply salty water four times a day for two weeks. If the symptoms improve, you can scale down to twice a day for a month and twice a week afterward. A simple hot compress with a face flannel is comfortable and less likely to wrinkle the eyelid skin.

Saline water contains antimicrobial properties that are vital in treating eye infections. You can use the below procedure to make your saline water at home:

Mix one teaspoon of salt in half a liter of cooled boiled water
Dip a cotton swab in the cooled salty water and wipe your eyes from the corner end to your nose
Do this several times until there isn’t any eye irritation

2. Warm Compress

A warm compress will help to unblock glands and loosen the crusts on the eyelid. The looser the crusts are, the easier they are to remove. The reusable warming packs can soothe infected, irritated, and sore eyes. According to a study by several eye doctors, a warm compress is an effective home remedy for treating conditions like blepharitis and eases dry eyes.

For effective results, you must keep your eyelids clean first and reduce the swelling and redness before applying any heat. If done correctly, a warm compress should minimize redness and swelling and help clean your eyelids.

You can use the following steps:

Soak a soft towel or cloth in warm water and gently press it to your eye for two to three minutes
Repeat this using a clean cloth
Clean the area gently with an eyelid scrub when you wake up

Follow these steps when applying a warm compress:

Soak a towel in warm water and squeeze out the excess water
Gently place the towel over the eye and rub it on the eyelid
Repeat the process several times till you notice the improvement
Small reminder: use separate washcloths for each eye

3. Green Tea Bags

Green tea bags contain powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can soothe eyelid inflammation and reduce swelling of the eyes. One of the causes of blepharitis is the clogging of the oil glands in the eyelids. Placing a warm tea bag over closed eyes for at least one minute may loosen the flakes stuck to the eyelashes and help to unclog the oil glands. Green tea bags aid relaxation and help with several eye ailments.

Blepharitis is often due to thicker than typical oils in the meibomian glands of the eyelids. The flakes that get stuck to the eyelashes can increase the risk of stye formation. Putting warm tea bags on the eyes may release oil from the glands and improve the quality of tears. Warm the eyes for five minutes, and repeat this twice daily for best results.

4. Essential Oils

Our eyes host eyelash mites that exist naturally and breed underneath the eyelash skin. The problem arises when the mites rapidly reproduce and infect the hair follicles at the base of every eye. Consequently, the mites can cause irritation, inflammation, and itching. Using essential oils helps to relieve eye infections naturally.

You can use essential oils with potential antimicrobial properties, like peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary oils. These antimicrobial properties can battle microorganisms causing eye infections. Add a few drops of tea tree or rosemary essential oils in boiling water for effective results.

Once the essential oils boil, you can cover yourself with a towel and inhale the vapor for five minutes to relieve infections.

5. Castor Oil

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid. Most ricinoleic acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling of the eyes. The oil also lubricates the eyes hence helping in easing any irritation.

If you have blepharitis symptoms:

Apply castor oil around the eyes and soak a cloth in warm water
Place the warm cloth over the eyelids for around 10 minutes
Repeat this twice daily for effective results

Takeaway

Simple habits like maintaining a clean, debris-free eyelid area can prevent blepharitis. If you suspect you have the condition, you can employ home remedies to treat the underlying cause of the issue and the symptoms.

Consult your doctor if you notice any signs of blepharitis for a confirmed diagnosis and to ensure you have the correct treatment.