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Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Blepharitis (Sticky and Crusty Eyelids)
Overview
Blepharitis (pronounced blef-uh-RI-tis) is a chronic condition that causes the edge of the eyelid to become inflamed. It can affect both the area around the eye lashes and the oil glands located on the eyelids. When the oil glands (meibomian glands) are primarily affected it is referred to as meibomitis or meibomian gland dysfunction.
Blepharitis can cause the eyelids to look red and raw and the eyelashes to become coated with greasy skin flakes.
Symptoms
- Red eyelids
- Greasy flakes or scales around the base of the eyelashes
- Sticky eyelids that may be glued shut in the morning
- Itching, burning or irritation on the edge of the eyelid
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Tiny oil plugs on the edge of the eyelid
- Styes and chalazia on your eyelids caused by clogged or infected oil glands
- Loss of eyelashes
Causes
A combination of factors can cause blepharitis. The most common cause is excess oil produced by the skin around the eyelids. Bacteria that normally live on your skin can also cause blepharitis or make it worse. In some cases, these bacteria are nourished by the secretions of the oil glands in our eyelids. Some people are unable to fight off these bacteria adequately. Less commonly, blepharitis can also be caused by skin conditions such as acne, rosacea or allergic reactions.
Smoky, dry or dusty atmospheres can make symptoms worse. People who have oily skin or dandruff may be more prone to developing blepharitis. The condition can begin in early childhood although it is much more common in older adults.
Treatments
- Eyelid hygiene. Strict and regular attention to eyelid hygiene, including eyelid scrubs, usually improves symptoms for most patients, although it may take several weeks for symptoms to improve.
- Warm compresses. These are very effective in making your eyes less irritated by blepharitis. Take a clean wash cloth, dip it into moderately hot water, and wring it out. Close your eyes and place the warm wash cloth over your closed eyes for several minutes, twice a day.
- Artificial tears. You can also use artificial tears 4-6 times a day to ease any associated dry eye symptoms.
- Antibiotics. If cleaning alone does not improve your symptoms, we may recommend antibiotic ointment or pills.
- Nutritional supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed and fish oil have anti-inflammatory effects which can aid healthy functioning of the meibomian glands.
Additional References:
Related Health Tools:
Videos
- Common Eye Conditions Common Eye Conditions
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This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.