Please share your blepharitis treatment routine & other info

Eye care
1

I was thinking it might be useful for new visitors to this board to see where the rest of us are with our symptoms and treatment. Please consider posting with answers to the prompts below - only the information you feel comfortable sharing, of course!

BLEPHARITIS

DATE OF FIRST SYMPTOMS: 

SYMPTOMS (AT HEIGHT OF OUTBREAK):

TREATMENTS TRIED:

CURRENT SEVERITY AND SYMPTOMS:

CURRENT TREATMENTS:

CURRENT PERSONAL CARE, COSMETICS, CLEANSING ROUTINES

MAKE-UP:

SKINCARE PRODUCTS:

GROOMING ROUTINES:

CURRENT LIFESTYLE

DIET:

SUPPLEMENTS:

OTHER CONDITIONS/DRUGS:

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE:

 

2

I'll go first!

BLEPHARITIS

DATE OF FIRST SYMPTOMS: Winter 2013

SYMPTOMS (AT HEIGHT OF OUTBREAK): Massive uncontrollable tearing, some pus overnight, puffy, red all around my eyes, scaly, greasy, flaky, rough, dark red eyelids, stys, weird itchiness around my eye socket, excruciating itchiness, scratchy sandy feeling, blurred vision.

TREATMENTS TRIED: Using dandruff shampoo on my head, cleansing the insides of my eye rims with q-tips, cleansing the insides of my eye rims with q-tips dipped in diluted baby shampoo, extra-careful, rigorous eye cleansing, using a fresh flannel to dry my face for every cleansing.

CURRENT SEVERITY AND SYMPTOMS: Almost total remission (98-100% normal)

CURRENT TREATMENTS: I gently but thoroughly wash my eyes with bare fingertips using a specific routine, twice a day. If I have any symptoms at all, I cleanse the insides of my eyelash rims with q-tips soaked in hot water twice a day.

​

CURRENT PERSONAL CARE, COSMETICS, CLEANSING ROUTINES

MAKE-UP: I use Body Shop eyeliner and regular mascara every day. I seldom use eye shadow or blush, never use foundation.

SKINCARE PRODUCTS: I cleanse my eyes with SBT Seabuckthorn Berry Bar. I moisturise with SBT Seabuckthorn day cream during the day, and SBT Seabuckthorn seed oil mixed with olive oil at night.

GROOMING ROUTINES: I wash my face gently with clean fingertips for 60 seconds twice a day, then I apply moisturiser or oil to damp skin. I don't use dandruff shampoo any more.

CURRENT LIFESTYLE

DIET: Mostly vegan. I am a non-smoking, no drugs teetotaller. I exercise about 7 hours per week.

SUPPLEMENTS: 2x super-once-a-day multivitamin, 2x each SBT Single Source & Berry Flavones, 2x calcium-magnesium, 4x kyolic garlic, 1x iron.

OTHER CONDITIONS/DRUGS: Ramipril daily, Fiorinal occasionally, for HBP and migraines.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE:

 

3

This will be approximate

BLEPHARITIS

DATE OF FIRST SYMPTOMS:     2011

SYMPTOMS (AT HEIGHT OF OUTBREAK):  Excessive Tears, Red rims, red eyelids,  itchy eyelids, sticky eyes, pus.

TREATMENTS TRIED:  Hospital Consultant for 3 years {every 3 months approx}

Eye Hygiene,......Clean face cloth heated on eyes for 10 mins, then massage, after that wash with baby shampoo/without baby shampoo.....change the cloths for amicrowaveable eye mask.  Various steriod drops prescriped. Various ointments prescribed

CURRENT SEVERITY AND SYMPTOMS:  Almost gone!!! {about 2 months now}

CURRENT TREATMENTS:Use wet ones {original pack} I'm in the UK the pack in the USA differs .See Lyndas thread.  It varies how many times a day I do it....At the height pf the problem it was  times but now.....morning, night, and during the day it depends where I am and what I'm doing.

OTC eyedrops, a very ordinary lubricating eye cream from Boots the Chemist, {if they itch a bit or if the corner are sore I use that} Still do the cleansing but not as much and just warm water with a cloth. HOT makes them itch again.

CURRENT PERSONAL CARE, COSMETICS, CLEANSING ROUTINES

Cleansing I have mentioned......

Make up.....have always worn foundation through this, blusher and lipstick.

Still cannot use eyeshadow....They start to water again after a while.

I never did use much mascara or eye liner so not using that.

Any moisturising cream that I like.

MAKE-UP:

SKINCARE PRODUCTS:

GROOMING ROUTINES:

CURRENT LIFESTYLE  Vegetarian.....Teetotal....non smoker  Cant exercise because of the mobility problems i have {well not a lot}

:

SUPPLEMENTS:   NONE

OTHER CONDITIONS/DRUGS:Osteo Arthritis, Kypho scoliosis {C shape curve in my back} Osteoporosis Epilepsy {well controlled  33 years now but still take meds}

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE

4

I have never posted on a forum before but I would like to share my story.

My first symptoms were 2to3years ago. I was only diagnosed in March of this year. I always thought it was allergies. I treated flare ups with steroid drops, which worked. Since my diagnosis the symptoms have been constant. 

I have used drops, antibiotics, bread soda, with varying success. While I would get 2-3daysvof relief it never cleared. I bought an eye mask to heat in the microwave which really helped. eye make up was a thing of the past.

I went back to see my consultant last week and he prescribed maxitrol drops and maxitrol ointment to put on my eyes for 1week. Within 24 hours I had fantastic results. After 2 days I had no symptoms. I haven't used the breadsoda at all yesterday and I wore eye make up . I don't know how long it will last but at least now I feel I have found something that works.

I had always felt that if I had something to rub to my eyes it would work and I think I have found it. 

I often wondered if my Blepharitis was hormonal. I have a marina coil and I was even thinking of getting it removed. Any thoughts ? I also suffer from regular bouts of thrush. 

Date of 1st symptoms: 2-3years

Symptoms at height : sore,dry ,itchy swollen, eyes.blurred vision. Feeling like I had cried for hours.

Grooming routine: cleanse with boots cleanser with cooling cucumber. Tone with boots toner and scrub eyelids with one spoon of bread soda in a cup of boiled water. Mousturise with aveeno ultra calming moisturiser .

Not taking any meds

Non smoker

Minimal alcohol.

5

Here's my contribution

BLEPHARITIS

DATE OF FIRST OUTBREAK   1990's  Diagnosed by eye hospital

SYMPTOMS AT HEIGHT OF OUTBREAK  Started very mildly years ago 

progressed to sore red eyes gritty feeling, light sensitivity dry eyes and blurred

vision.

TREATMENTS TRIED  Nizoral for hair washing (suggested by dermatologist as

I suffererd from Rosacea)  Cleaning routine with Q tips and baby shampoo 

solution. Hot flannal 5 minutes on eyes folllowed by massage of lids the cleaning.

Microwaveable bag (could not get on with it).  Blephasol solution for cleaning.

CURRENT SEVERITY AND SYMPTOMS  Much better at the moment after set

backs/flare ups following 2 cataract removals. Still light sensitive.

CURRENT TREATMENTS  Hot flannal on eyes for 5 minutes cleaning with q tips

and bicarbonate of soda solution.  Wipe entire eyelids with same solution. 

Celluvisc drops 4 times a day for dry eyes 

CURRENT PERSONAL CARE,COSMETICS, CLEANING ROUTINES

MAKE UP  Only foundation, blusher and lipstick.  Gave up eye make up a few years ago because of blepharitis.  

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS  Use Nivea cleansing lotion and Nivea moisturiser 

GROOMING ROUTINE  Eye care routine as described above once or twice a day.  Use Nizoral shampoo about once a fortnight, Dove shampoo in between.

CURRENT LIFE STYLE.  Retired unable to exercise much because of arthritis

non smoker, occasional glass of wine. Need to lose weight

DIET Try to have 5 a day every day.  still like my chocolate.

SUPPLEMENTS Just started take glucosamine again after a break for joints' 

Vitamin D3 as recommended by GP

OTHER CONDITIONSS/DRUGS  Asthma,Hypothroidism,IBS,Arthritis, ostepenia,

High blood pressure, Mild glaucoma, Drugs  Levothyroxine,amoldipine,symbicort

inhaler,Mebevervine and Ranitidine, celluvisc eye drops

ANY THING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE

 

6

I had blepharitis for 2 months. I had been prescribed an antibiotic ointment which I was told to use for 10 days. It became evident as soon as I stopped using it that it hadn't been effective so I looked online for advise. I saw on this website that some people had used Wet Wipes with good results so gave them a try in conjunction with what was left of the ointment and it worked. HOWEVER-

My skin has suffered serious damage. My eyelids feel tight and dry and often very sore. I cannot tolerate makeup for very long, even hypo allergenic. The skin over my eyes seems to have lost all of it's moisture and elasticity which has resulted in folds of skin drooping over my upper lids. I am sure that the Blepharitis has gone and that the present problems are the result of using Wet Wipes. They are after all not meant to be used on your eyes.

My doctor was dismissive and said that they looked normal to her. I replied that I' d had my eyes for 61:years and know what they should look like. I was fobbed off with Hydrocortisone cream which I didn't use.

I use Oilatum Cream and Vaseline to sooth the symptoms but I' m resigned to my eyes never getting back to normal.

7

I have had this since 2003/4

<> usual cleaning of eyes with cooled boiled water and baby shampoo never really eased?  Mine is mainly in my right eye.<> Red sore and very itchy if it was really bad the following morning they were crusty and watery.

<> Current cleaning of eyes consists of twice a day with wet ones on eye lash line using throw away wands<> If i get a flare up i clean 3/4 times a day<> Other medication; morphine pregabalin back pain and arthritis 

 

8

Hi NatalieLanovill

I have already posted a reply but i would just like to add i am a non-smoker and very rarely drink alcohol.I have just started to use mascara where as before it was mascara only if i was going anywhere special.

Cant exercise have really bad  back  hence the morphine  <>PREGABALYN<>

I also take <> ANADIN LIQUITABS<>

<> ORAMORPH<> (liquid morphine) as well as MORPHINE patches

<> FACET JOINT INJECTIONS IN HIPS<> I   have  arthritis

in hips knees and neck also spondolosis i use eye drops (optrix for tired  eyes)

 

9

Just wondering how your eyes are now after using the Maxitrol - I've just been prescribed them but so fed up of being given drug after drug that will give relief for a month or so and then get symptoms back again.  I'd love to know if you still feel the drops worked??

10

Hi

I got as fed up as you with all the different drugs from 3 different consultants at the eye hospital.

I eventually resorted to Lindas tips.

Wet ones Original...{blue pack in the UK}cut them into little pieces, use them four times a day, a different bit on earch lot of eyelashes.

I used over the counter eye drops and got an over the counter ointment for eyes.....the lad that sold it to me {it was quite cheap} said it was supposed to go in the eyes but worked very well on inflammed lids {which I had} I gradually dropped from 4 times a day to a couple of times a day with the wet ones. Eyedrops get used when I feel I need them as does the ointment. At the moment I'm fine they are so much better but the corners are starting to get sore so I'm using the ointment.

I am still sensitive to wind and glare. If I feel it coming on again I start over again and attack it

My only problem is I still cant wear eye make up. Didnt wear much mascara or eye liner so thats no loss but I did wear eyeshadow and creams and I find they irritate them.

Love

Eileen

 

11

Hiya.

Things are still good. I'm not cured but it's under control. I did use them on and off after the prescribed time. I use the hylo forte drops all the time. 4/5/6 times a day when they are dry or running. Sometimes I forget when they are good. I wear eye make up. I take it off and cleanse properly every night and will never go to bed again wearing make up!!! But all in all things are good. The main thing is I know what to ask for now if it flares up again.

12

Thanks, Eileen.  My main problem is chemical allergies so I daren't try the Wet Ones.  I've got anterior and posterior blepharitis now so I suppose it's going to be difficult to get rid of it.  I've even used those brand new antibiotics that are supposed to be a major breakthrough - Azithromycin - initially seemed better but it hasn't worked.  

13

Thanks Janmin.  I've got unopened hylo forte drops in the fridge so maybe that's the way to go next.  I've also got a prescription for Maxitrol in my bag - I've got to the point where I've tried so much that hasn't worked that I'm loathe to put more rubbish into my eyes just on the off-chance.  

14

I really hope this works for you. I was the same as you I felt there was no hope. I also knew that it was up to me tweak everything until I found something that worked for me. Do my own doctoring to a degree. The first time I used the hylo forte it felt like I had poured velvet into my eyes. The relief was wonderful. But they are only to help with hydration. They won't cure it. 

So I got control with the maxitrol drops 3 times a day for 10 days. After 3 days I used to forget at times my eyes were so good. The maxitrol ointment on my lids at night for 10 days. Also used heat pack from microwave. Every night followed by massage. And clean with bicarbonate. (May have been over aggressive with that . My eyes used to end ip with tony cuts from where the crusts had been. Once my eyes were clear, I discovered that when I started the smallest itch if I used the hylo forte straight away it kept it at bay. If I ignored it it would progress very quickly. So no I have hylo forte with me all the time. And I use it all the time. Good luck and please let me know how it goes for you. 

15

Here are my Blepharitis details so far!

First diagnosed:  approx 20 years ago

Original symptoms:  red eyes, itching, yellow discharge, styes.  I was told it was Bleph but nothing they could do so discharged with a cleansing routine sheet!

Subsequent symptoms:  flare-ups of what I thought was conjunctivitis plus recurrent styes/meibomian cysts (treated by GP with various eye drops/antibiotic creams/antibiotics/hot compresses/cleansing wipes etc..)

2004:  brief respite after allergy tests(as result of severe skin allergies) after which I got rid of all products with known allergens e.g. perfume, blue colouring, etc...

2013 - huge flare up with massive meibomian cyst on right eye lid a week after getting a dog :-(  Doctor gave erythromycin tablets after high dose anti-histamines given by A&E.  Cyst ouzed and popped leaving scar on eye lid.

Asked to see specialist.  Told I had dry eye and bleph.  Given fake tears.  Told to come back after 3 months but slipped through net.  Eventually got appt but in wrong area - turned up for review and was told they were expecting to operate on cyst.

2014 Different hospital specialist:  Said my eyes were teaming with bugs - gave Azithromycin, Lotemax, Hylo Forte.  Contra indications made me wary of last two medications but tried the Azithromycin.  Some relief but soon felt eyes were sore, red and dry again.  

Research on internet made me think I had Candida so started special diet - no sugar, yeast etc...  Felt eyes were improving but hospital said no improvement.

Prescribed Maxitrol/ eye lubricating drops which I haven't yet collected.  He told me I shouldn't use a hair dryer, that bleph isn't caused by staph, malassezia furfur (yeast) etc... but strep(!!), to use the hot flannel routine, he showed me how to do this using a dry tissue which he scraped around my eyes - so painful!  Plus, like most of these consultants, didn't wash his hands before or after.  

So now I continue to use hot clean flannel, scrape round with boiled water and bicarb on cotton buds am/pm.  

 

16

Thanks :-)  I'll start the hylo forte today and pick up the maxitrol next week. I'll let you know how it goes. 

17

Yes, I can't wear eye make up either.  The latest consultant I've seen said not to use anything on my face containing lipids or powder.  Hmmm.

18

Hi

I'm sorry bout the allergies but you have got lots more advice. I dont recognise those meds but if they work ...great.

I wear cream,foundation, blusher and lipstick and thats it.....nothing near my eyes. Although I can get away with Boots Simple Cream for under my eyes.....not great but better than dry under eyes

Love

Eileen

19

Thanks :-)

20

BLEPHARITIS

DATE OF FIRST SYMPTOMS: Circa 1975 when I was 4 years old!

SYMPTOMS (AT HEIGHT OF OUTBREAK): My eyelids stuck together  for 48 hours due to severe inflammation and scabbinf. It was undiagnosed at the time, but I assume it was blepharitis due to the fact I've since been diagnosed with that as an adult. Much later in life (circa 2007-2009) I developed severe chalazions and had surgery to remove them.

TREATMENTS TRIED: Hot compress, dry eye bag, daily cleansing routine with Blephasol or Occusoft.

CURRENT SEVERITY AND SYMPTOMS: Minor dry eye irriation.

CURRENT TREATMENTS: Daily cleansing routine with sterile water/bicarbonate, Blephasol or Occusoft - all see to work equally well.

CURRENT PERSONAL CARE, COSMETICS, CLEANSING ROUTINES: As above.

MAKE-UP: None.

SKINCARE PRODUCTS:  Aveeno moisturiser for dry skin.

GROOMING ROUTINES: As per above.

CURRENT LIFESTYLE: 

DIET: Vegetarian, low consumption of dairy and egg products. 

SUPPLEMENTS: Daily vitamin tablet optimised for vegetarians.

OTHER CONDITIONS/DRUGS: 10mg Omeprazole every other day for GERD.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE: The daily (twice daily initially) cleansing routine was/is a life-saver for me. I use Blephasol or Occusoft but I don't want to suggest that you need to spend money on branded products, as I had just as good success with sterile water mixed with bicarbonate of soda, but I got lazy and stopped preparing my own solutions. I'd go back to basics in a shot, as it works.