Do Natural Remedies Help Blepharitis?

Woman Applying Eye Drops

Do you have blepharitis? Are you looking for natural ways you can treat your symptoms? treatments for it? Keep reading to learn more about natural remedies to treat blepharitis!

What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis occurs when your eyelids become inflamed from clogged oil glands. The part of the eyelid that usually becomes inflamed is near where the eyelashes grow.

This inflammation affects both eyelids. Besides inflamed eyelids, your eyes can get irritated and become red.

There are medications for blepharitis, but there are also at home remedies you can try as well.

Wash Your Eyes Daily

To manage your blepharitis, follow this self-care routine once or twice a day. During flare ups, you should follow these steps two to four times a day until things have calmed down.

First, you should use a warm compress and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes. This helps to loosen any deposits on your eyelids.

Next, use a wet washcloth with some diluted baby shampoo on your eyelids. The baby shampoo is gentle enough to wash away any debris or flakes at the bottom of your eyelashes. Make sure to use a different clean cloth for each eye.

Sometimes you might need to clean closer to your eyelashes. If you do, pull your eyelid away from your eye. Then, use a washcloth and rub the base of your lashes.

This helps protect your cornea. If you have to clean your eyes like this often, ask your doctor if there is a topical cream you should use after. Wash your eyelids with warm water and pat them dry with a clean towel.

During flare-ups, it is a good idea to stop wearing eye makeup. Makeup makes it challenging to keep your eyelids clean and free of debris.

Lubricate Your Eyes

Use over the counter artificial tears. Using artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and ease dry eye.

Manage Any Dandruff and Mites

If you have dandruff, it can contribute to your blepharitis. Ask your doctor for a dandruff shampoo.

It can help relieve some of your symptoms. Also, you could try using a tea tree shampoo on your eyelids to help get rid of mites. If this is too much, try scrubbing 50% tea tree oil on your eyelids once a week.

Black Tea

Applying a heated black tea bag on your inflamed eyelids can help calm blepharitis. Black tea has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Blink Your Eyes & Consume More Omega 3’s

Blinking your eyes can help the different glands secrete oil. This is important to help avoid any abnormalities that can cause blepharitis.

These remedies can be helpful, but they are unlikely to cure your blepharitis. Want to help support your eye health?

Consider adding more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, flaxseed, walnuts, tuna and more. You can also take omega-3 supplements for the same effects.

Need to get your blepharitis symptoms under control? Contact Mid Ohio Eye in Columbus, OH to schedule an appointment today!