Blepharitis Lasik

Here's everything you need to know about Blepharitis Lasik

Blepharitis is a common eye condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids and affects the oil glands that line the lid margins. It can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, leading to symptoms such as dry eyes and discomfort when wearing contact lenses. In fact, contact lenses are a major accelerator of this disease process. The health of the eyelid margin is essential for good vision and tear film stability, and blepharitis can interfere with both. Many people suffering from blepharitis may wonder if they are eligible for certain eye surgeries, such as LASIK, for vision correction.

In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between blepharitis and LASIK and answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to Blepharitis Lasik. We will cover whether or not you can have eyelid surgery if you have blepharitis, whether LASIK causes blepharitis, and if there is an operation or other treatments that can effectively treat blepharitis. We will also discuss the role of warm compresses in managing blepharitis symptoms and maintaining eyelid hygiene.

Can you have eyelid surgery if you have blepharitis?

Blepharitis, by definition, is inflammation of the eyelid and all of its internal structures such as tear glands. It is caused by bacteria producing and then living in a biofilm, that later in our lives  begin to produce inflammatory toxins. This inflammation causes chronic damage to the tear glands and produces dry eye symptoms such as dryness and irritation. You should avoid any surgery of the eyelids while this disease is active. Chronically inflamed eyelids do not heal well and the biofilm bacteria can cause an actual infection. 

Lasik surgery on the other hand can proceed if the blepharitis is mild and asymptomatic, and your tear lake of oils is normal. If not, seek out the care of a dry eye specialist such as the Center for Dry Eye to fix that problem before proceeding with any type of surgery.

Does LASIK cause blepharitis?

While LASIK does not cause blepharitis by itself, some people who undergo the procedure may experience a worsening of their existing blepharitis symptoms. This is because LASIK can sometimes cause temporary dryness and irritation of the eyes, which can trigger a flare-up of blepharitis post-Lasik. Similarly, blepharitis can also affect the outcome of PRK surgery. It is essential to discuss any history of blepharitis with your eye doctor before undergoing LASIK or PRK. If you develop blepharitis after LASIK or PRK, it is crucial to seek prompt treatment to prevent any long-term complications. While there are many treatment options available to attempt treatment of blepharitis symptoms and maintain good eye health, including hot compress after PRK and eyelid scrubs, none of these traditional treatments eliminate the underlying disease. Effective treatment therefore requires a center that focuses on removal of biofilm from the lid margin as well as from inside the meibomian glands.

Is there an operation for blepharitis?

There is no specific operation for blepharitis, as it is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and treatment. However, there are several semi-effective treatment options available that can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups. These may include warm compresses, eyelid scrubs, and medications like  steroids. However, for effective treatment of the underlying cause, your ophthalmologist or optometrist should  recommend a more aggressive treatment approach that focuses on the biofilm.

If you suspect you may be experiencing dry eyes or blepharitis or would like more information on managing these conditions, visit the Centers for Dry Eye. Our team of experts can help diagnose and treat your condition and provide you with the tools and resources you need to maintain good eye health.