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Blepharitis Specialist

Phillip C Wu, MD -  - General Ophthalmology

Suburban Eyes Clinic

Phillip C Wu, MD

General Ophthalmology located in Evanston, IL

If you have eyelids that are inflamed and irritated, you’re likely suffering from a condition called blepharitis. There are several causes of blepharitis, which is why you need the help of Suburban Eye Clinic. Phillip Wu, MD, and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating the various issues that can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed eyes. To learn more, call the office nearest you in Evanston, Illinois, or use the online booking tool to request an appointment today.

Blepharitis Q&A

What is blepharitis?

In the simplest of terms, blepharitis is inflammation of your eyelids. What’s not so simple is the number of problems that can lead to blepharitis, including:

  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Bacterial infection
  • Allergies
  • Ocular rosacea
  • Seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff
  • Mites or lice

Because eyelid function is impaired, blepharitis can lead to such problems as:

  • Dry eye disease
  • Inability to wear contact lenses
  • Insufficient or excessive tearing
  • Compromised eyelash growth
  • Conjunctivitis, or pink eye
  • Styes
  • Chalazion (eyelid cyst)

The good news is that there are several effective solutions at Suburban Eye Clinic that can help remedy blepharitis.

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

The most common symptoms of blepharitis include:

  • Watery eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Redness
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Stinging or burning sensations in your eyes
  • Crusty eyelashes, especially upon waking
  • Eyelashes that grow abnormally, often too short or irregularly
  • Light sensitivity

If you suffer from any of these symptoms for a few days, it’s time to make an appointment at Suburban Eye Clinic.

How do you diagnose blepharitis?

Dr. Wu and his team have several advanced diagnostic tools that help them identify the source of your blepharitis, including:

  • Tear film analysis
  • Gland imaging
  • Allergy testing
  • Omega-3 fatty acid analysis

After running these tests, their team of specialists can pinpoint the cause of your blepharitis and get you started on a treatment plan promptly.

How do you treat blepharitis?

Several treatments can help relieve blepharitis, and Dr. Wu and his team can diagnose the cause of your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. 

Generally, treatment for blepharitis involves eyelid scrubs, which help to remove the buildup of bacteria from your eyelids through a cleaning agent and exfoliation.

Dr. Wu and his team may also recommend thermal pulsation treatment to melt and remove bacteria that’s trapped in your oil glands. This helps your eye’s natural oils flow more freely.

In other cases, you may require medicated eye drops or ointments to kill bacteria in your eyelids or around your eyes.

To learn more about blepharitis treatments, contact Suburban Eye Clinic by calling the office nearest you, or booking an appointment online today.