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Blepharitis and styes often occur together, causing discomfort and irritation. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins, leading to redness, itching, flaking, crusty eyelids, and a sensation of something in the eye. Styes are tender, red bumps that form when an eyelid gland becomes blocked. Blepharitis is not an infection but can increase the likelihood of styes. While these conditions are treatable, they are not curable. Many people experience long periods without symptoms. Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene help alleviate symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Consult an eye care professional for personalized treatment.Â
Follow the instructions below outlining how best to do warm compresses.
Warm Compress Instructions
Buy a beaded eye mask. Warm up in the microwave at 10-15 second intervals until it is warm on your palm but not too hot (about 105 degrees F).
Get a clean terry cloth washcloth and roll it up into a cylinder. Get it damp with tap water and then microwave at 10-15 second intervals until it is warm but not too hot (about 105 degrees F). Place it over your eyes and then place the warmed beaded eye mask on top of the washcloth (this will insulate the the wet washcloth, keeping it warm for longer). Keep on your eyes for 5-15 minutes, longer is better
Wrap your washcloth around your finger after your wet compress and scrub the eyelid to remove all the crust and melted oil.
Do this EVERY NIGHT before you go to sleep, and more often if you have a stye coming on or already have one.
If your eyes are red, use preservative free artificial tears frequently throughout the day (at least 3-4 times a day)
If your eyes are itchy, refrigerate your preservative free artificial tears and put them in your eye. You can also keep an extra eye mask in the refrigerator to use if your eyes are itchy (cold helps itchy eyes)
Over the course of 4-6 weeks your symptoms should improve. If they do not, schedule a follow up with your doctor and your therapy can be advanced.
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