Blepharitis Treatment in Norfolk, VA

Your eyelids are one of the most sensitive areas of your body, and when they become irritated, inflamed, or crusty, everyday life gets uncomfortable fast. At Envision Ghent Optometry, we often treat an eye condition called blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelid margins. One of the most overlooked causes? Demodex mites: tiny organisms that live in your eyelashes and can trigger irritation, redness, and itching. The good news: we can help.

What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a chronic condition in which the eyelids—particularly the base of the eyelashes—become red, swollen, and uncomfortable. It often feels like your eyes are constantly irritated or that there’s something stuck in them. Some people mistake it for allergies, dry eye, or even pink eye. But the cause may be right at the lash line. Blepharitis can be triggered by:

• Bacterial buildup along the eyelids
• Clogged oil glands (similar to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction)
• Skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
• Demodex mites living in the hair follicles

Meet Your Uninvited Guests: Demodex Mites

Yes, mites. Demodex are microscopic parasites that naturally live on human skin, but when they overpopulate (especially around the eyes), they can cause serious irritation. These mites burrow into hair follicles and oil glands, often going unnoticed until symptoms flare up. Demodex mites are especially active at night, and their presence can:

• Worsen blepharitis symptoms
• Lead to crusty buildup at the base of lashes
• Disrupt oil production in your tear film
• Create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow

Don’t worry, you didn’t do anything wrong. Demodex are extremely common, especially in adults over 40. Our goal is simply to restore balance and comfort.

Symptoms of Blepharitis & Demodex Infestation

You might be dealing with eyelid inflammation if you notice:

• Red, itchy, or swollen eyelids
• Crusty debris at the base of your lashes
• A burning or gritty feeling in the eyes
• Watery eyes or excessive tearing
• Eyelash loss or misdirection
• Styes or chalazia that come and go
• Morning eyelid stickiness

Many of these symptoms overlap with dry eye and allergies; that’s why a proper diagnosis is key.

Why It’s So Common in Norfolk

Our local climate doesn’t do your eyelids any favors. Blepharitis and Demodex thrive in:

• Humid, salty air that disrupts the natural oil layer of your tear film
• Pollen-heavy seasons that increase eye rubbing and inflammation
• Indoor HVAC and heating, which dry out the eyes
• High screen time, which reduces blinking and lid health

Diagnosing & Treating Blepharitis

At Envision Ghent Optometry, we take a comprehensive approach to blepharitis care. Your evaluation includes:

• A close look at your eyelid margins and lashes under magnification
• Identification of Demodex mites or debris
• Evaluation of meibomian gland function and tear film quality

Once we determine the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend:

• Lid debridement or deep cleaning to remove debris and bacteria
• Tea tree-based therapies to reduce Demodex overpopulation
• BlephEx® or similar micro-exfoliation systems
• Prescribed lid scrubs or foams (not just drugstore wipes)
• Warm compresses and lid massages
• Targeted Demodex treatment products
• Continued evaluation to monitor symptoms over time

We’ll walk you through exactly what to do and what not to do to keep symptoms under control.

Ready for Real Eyelid Relief?

Blepharitis is frustrating, but with tailored care, it’s absolutely manageable. Whether your symptoms are caused by oil gland blockage, skin irritation, or lash-dwelling mites, we’ll find the cause and create a plan that works.