What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Although most of our patients find that this chronic condition is usually more of a nuisance than a serious threat to eye health, it’s important to seek treatment sooner than later, especially before getting LASIK.

Some of the common symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Dry Eyes

• Itchy eyelids

• Redness

• Swelling

• Burning sensation on the surface of the eye.

Injury to the cornea and vision loss have also been linked to this condition, but these complications are very rare. In 40 years of practice, Sacramento eye doctor Stephen Wilmarth, MD, has never seen a case of blepharitis this extreme.

Because blepharitis can cause dry eyes, it’s important to have your eye health evaluated to make sure you’re a suitable LASIK candidate. During your free consultation, Dr. Wilmarth will examine your eyelids for signs of blepharitis and recommend treatment options.

Some patients are able to find relief from blepharitis by regularly cleaning the area around the affected eye. Others, however, might require artificial tears or eyedrops containing a steroid or antibiotic to eliminate bacteria.

Many patients are able to correct their vision with LASIK after getting blepharitis under control. However, if Dr. Wilmarth believes that the condition could complicate your laser surgery, he will discuss alternative treatment options for improving your eyesight.

To schedule your LASIK evaluation, please contact Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center or call (916) 850-3060 today for a free consultation. Dr. Wilmarth has proudly served the eye health and vision correction needs of patients in Folsom, Sacramento, Roseville and other communities in Northern California for 35 years.