Chronic blepharitis: easy nursing interventions for a common problem

1. Blepharitis is a chronic, usually bilateral, inflammation of the eyelid margins. It is a lifelong condition, difficult to eradicate, and requires constant vigilance to restrain its irritating manifestations. 2. Treatment includes elimination of the scale caking the eyelids and eyebrows; removal of the offending bacteria, the materials they grow on, and the debris they leave; and healing the affected areas. 3. Scrupulous eye hygiene along with good handwashing habits will keep most cases of blepharitis under control. Contact lens wearers must be careful of cross-contamination between eye, lens, lens solutions, or lens cases, and cosmetics should be used properly and with care.