Blepharitis can be difficult to treat. In general, treatment involves careful washing of your eyelids and eyelashes. You may need to follow a certain cleaning procedure for several weeks or months. The cleaning process is as follows:
- Moisten a cloth with warm water and hold it over both eyes for several minutes. This helps to soften any deposits on the eyelids.
- Add a few drops of baby shampoo to a cup of water. Moisten a cotton swab with this mixture. Using the cotton swab, clean all deposits from the limits of your eyelids and eyelashes. Do not pull the crusts with your fingers. Use a different cotton swab for each eye.
Your doctor will tell you how often you should follow the cleaning procedure.
Your doctor may prescribe ointment (with or without antibiotics) to help relieve your symptoms. After washing your eyelids and eyelashes, rub the ointment along the edges of your eyelids. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Occasionally, you may need to take antibiotics in pill form.