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Blepharitis - Management
What information should I give to a person with blepharitis?

  • Give information about the course of the illness. Explain that:
    • Blepharitis is a chronic or intermittent condition, and although it cannot typically be cured permanently, symptoms can usually be controlled with adequate self-care measures.
    • Compliance with treatment, especially eyelid hygiene, is essential, and eyelid hygiene should be continued even when the condition is well controlled.
    • Complications, such as eyesight loss, are rare, especially when treatment is adhered to.
Clarification / Additional information
  • Written information can be given about the nature of the disorder and to reinforce the need to adhere to treatment, especially the continued use of eyelid hygiene. For people who have internet access, www.goodhope.org.uk is a useful resource from the NHS on eyelid hygiene and other aspects of blepharitis.
  • It may help for people to consider eyelid hygiene as just another daily activity, such as brushing teeth or showering [Pray and Pray, 2002].
  • For information on first-line treatments, including eyelid hygiene, see Treatment at initial presentation.
Basis for recommendation
  • These recommendations are based on consensus opinion and reflect good clinical practice. CKS did not identify any UK guidelines on the management of blepharitis, but these recommendations are consistent with US guidelines on blepharitis and associated disorders [American Optometric Association, 2002; American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2003]:
    • Helping people understand the chronic nature of the condition and the continuing need for treatment, particularly the practice of good eyelid hygiene (even when blepharitis is well controlled), may improve compliance.

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