Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids that affects the oil glands of
both the lids and eyelashes. There are two forms of this health
problem 1) non- ulcerative and 2) ulcerative. In the nonulcerative
type, it causes symptoms that may include: burning, itching, swelling,
watering, and redness, accompanied by the formation of crusts of dried mucus on the
eye lids. This health condition was once known as “granulated eyelids.” Nonulcerative blepharitis is a cousin of
dandruff and eczema, and may be a complication of
psoriasis. It is often linked to seborrhea of the scalp, the eyebrows, and the skin around the eyes.
In ulcerative blepharitis, a Staphylococcus infection at the roots of the eyelashes causes sticky crusts to form on the lid margins, followed by small sores, or ulcers. The eyes become reddened and abnormally sensitive to light.
Both forms of blepharitis may be contagious. Severe blepharitis can
lead to corneal problems with the eyes. This health condition is serious
and should not be ignored.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Multi-vitamin
and Mineral Supplement |
10 |
vitamin B complex,
inositol, zinc, vitamin A,
and vitamin E all serve to
help lower blood pressure and reduce its effects as well as
helping with both eye health and blepharitis. A
daily supplement provides nutrients needed for general good
health and well being. |
Essential
fatty
acids |
10 |
They are important for
every cell in the human body. Fatty acids are found in
omega fatty acids from fish and flax and borage seed oils from
plants. |
vitamin
A |
10 |
protects against free radical
damage that is very important to the eyes. Without vitamin A
the eyes are more likely to get infected and have ulceration. |
Carotenoids |
9 |
work with vitamin A |
Beta
Carotene |
9 |
a powerful anti-oxidant that works
well with vitamin C and is important for the health of the
eyes. |
Red
Clover |
9 |
helps with detoxification and
cleansing to prevent infections |
Dandelion |
9 |
herb that works with red clover |
vitamin C |
8 |
vitamin C helps clear up
infections and boost the body's immune system. Can be taken in a
good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. |
Bioflavonoids |
8 |
work with vitamin C |
Selenium |
8 |
this mineral is good as an anti
oxidant for the eyes and a good
source for selenium is a natural multi-vitamin
with complete mineral
supplementation. |
vitamin
E |
8 |
helps the immune
system and healing process |
Zinc |
8 |
this mineral helps the
body heal |
Sometimes steroid topical ointments maybe used to reduce
inflammation, however care must be used with these drugs. If there is
even a possibility of viral infection, such as a herpes
infection, steroids should not be used. Because steroids suppress
the local immune system, allowing a herpes infection to become more of
a problem. Also use of these drugs creates a risk of increased
pressure within the eyeball, which can lead to glaucoma
, cataracts, perforation of the cornea,
and even damage to the optic nerve. Sores on the eyelids call for an
evaluation by an ophthalmologist. Topical antibiotic ointment
applications may be adequate treatment, but you may want to let an
expert decide
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|