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Blepharitis - also known as lid margin disease - is a potentially sight-threatening ocular condition, but only one in four British people know it exists.

Despite the fact it can lead to ulceration of the cornea and permanent damage to vision, there are many people who remain undiagnosed with the condition.

According to Moorfields Eye Hospital, one in six people in the UK displays symptoms.

Signs include crusty deposits around the lashes, gritty and painful eyes, and irritation around the eyelids.

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Burning or gritty eyes can lead to the condition, which accounts for one in 20 GP appointments for eye problems.

Abnormal eyelash growth, finding contact lenses uncomfortable to wear, and increased sensitivity to light are also indicators.

Burning or gritty eyes can lead to the condition, which accounts for one in 20 GP appointments for eye problems.

Experts believe it is being fuelled by insomnia, sugary diets, air conditioning and spending long hours at a computer screen.

However, according to a survey by eye-care specialists Bausch + Lomb, two in five people have no idea what causes it.

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They also found 40 per cent of us have no idea how to manage it.

But if its not treated, or does not respond to therapy, it can lead to blindness.

While it cant be cured, you can control the symptoms and prevent permanent scarring of the eyelid margins, according to the NHS.

Francesca Marchetti, leading ocular expert and a member of the WINK advisory eye-care panel, said: Given how many people are affected by blepharitis, and the implications for vision if it is not managed effectively, these findings are extremely worrying.

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The first line treatment for blepharitis is using a combination of heat therapy, eye massage and good eyelid hygiene every day, this will manage the condition and in many cases will prevent further flare-ups.

A combination of cleansing the eyelids with special wipes and heat therapy can help.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises: Eyelid hygiene is essential and this should be continued even when symptoms are well controlled.

They suggest applying a warm wipe to the closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes to loosen the debris and softens any deposits of meibum, an oily substance which protects the tear film but can problematic if the meibomian glands are blocked, or the meibum is too waxy.

Marchetti added: To have a therapeutic benefit, the heated compress must be a consistent 40 to 45C, and remain at that temperature for at least five minutes. But if it is any higher, or there are more intense hot-spots, there is a very real risk of burning or damaging the sensitive tissues around the eye.

Read the rest here:
This is what your gritty eyes could mean - Express.co.uk

This entry was posted on May 9, 2017 at 8:43 pm and is filed under Blindness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |