Castor oil for blepharitis

Blepharitis is one of the most common ophthalmic conditions, characterised by chronic inflammation of the eyelid tissues and affecting the eyelashes, meibomian glands and ocular surface. Causative and contributing mechanisms are diverse and include bacterial over-colonisation, a destabilised tear film, infestation with Demodex, atopy and seborrhoea and associated over-activation of host immune and inflammatory responses. However, these factors are only moderately well understood. Patients present with lid margin itching, burning, flaking, crusting, redness, photophobia and epiphora. Overall, blepharitis is often associated with a reduction in quality of life^1,2.