13 July 2021

Behind the headlines: Bradley Walsh's struggle with blepharitis

You may have read in the news this week about Bradley Walsh’s struggle with blepharitis, an eye condition which causes inflamed and swollen eye lids. Here's what our clinical adviser had to say.

You may have read in the news this week about Bradley Walsh’s struggle with blepharitis, an eye condition which causes inflamed and swollen eye lids. 

Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Clinical Adviser at the College of Optometrists explains a bit more about the condition:

Blepharitis is a common but chronic condition which causes inflammation of the eyelids. It can make your eyelids red and puffy, your eyelashes crusty, and make your eyes feel itchy or sore. If left untreated, in severe cases it can cause other eye complications, such as corneal ulcers.

“Although blepharitis cannot be totally cured, it is possible to make your eyes more comfortable. Here are some of our top tips: 

  • use a warm compress to help unblock glands and loosen the crusts on the eyelid
  • clean your lid after to remove the crusts and debris. Your optometrist will be able to advise you on different cleaning options
  • use dry eye drops to help if your eyes feel gritty or dry
  • if warm compresses and cleaning your eye lids don’t work, your optometrist or doctor may prescribe you antibiotic ointment or tablets
  • avoid smoky atmospheres and wearing eye makeup, particularly eyeliner and mascara.

“If you think you may have blepharitis, or other eye concerns, you should contact your local optometrist.”

For more information about how to look after your eyes, and to find your nearest optometrist, visit LookAfterYourEyes.org 

Related further reading

It is rare for respiratory viruses to cause eye infections, writes Kim Thomas, but they may use the eye as a portal of entry. And what is the mechanism behind their travel to the respiratory system?

How do clinicians choose between generic and branded drugs, balancing the need for patient safety against cost? Kathy Oxtoby takes a look.

The College’s Clinical Editor, Jane Veys MCOptom, on the gaps that exist in practice and between people