How to prepare for a video visit about Blepharitis

Audience: pediatric

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids, often leading to redness, itching, and crusting. It can affect children and may cause discomfort around the eyes. Preparing for a video visit about blepharitis can help you and your healthcare provider understand your child's symptoms and plan care. During the visit, you will discuss symptoms, show the affected eyelids via video, and talk about treatments like eyelid hygiene. While telemedicine can help manage many blepharitis cases, some situations need in-person care. This guide helps you get ready for the visit, know what telemedicine can and cannot do, and recognize warning signs that require urgent attention. Remember, this information is educational and not a diagnosis. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and seek emergency care if needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or loss of sight — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• Swelling around the eye that worsens or spreads, especially with fever — visit a healthcare facility promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to blepharitis.
• Visual inspection of eyelids via video for redness, crusting, and swelling.
• Guidance on eyelid hygiene and home care techniques.
• Prescribing common treatments like warm compresses or eyelid cleaning routines.
• Monitoring mild to moderate blepharitis symptoms over time.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye examinations requiring special equipment.
• Diagnosing or treating severe eye infections or complications.
• Managing sudden vision loss or severe eye pain emergencies.
• Providing surgical or procedural treatments.
• Administering in-person tests such as cultures or biopsies.

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid edges. It often causes redness, swelling, itching, and crusty flakes around the eyelashes. In children, it may make the eyes feel irritated or watery. Blepharitis is usually a long-lasting condition that can come and go. It is often caused by blocked oil glands or bacteria on the eyelid. Good eyelid care can help manage symptoms.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before the visit, find a quiet, well-lit room where you can show the child's eyes clearly on camera. Have a clean towel and warm water ready in case the provider asks you to try eyelid cleaning during the call. Write down any symptoms your child has, such as redness, itching, or crusting, and note when they started. Also, list any treatments you have tried and any other health concerns. Make sure your device is charged and has a good internet connection.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to show the child's eyelids up close to see redness or crusting. They might guide you through eyelid cleaning steps or suggest treatments like warm compresses or eye drops. The provider will also check if symptoms need in-person care. Be ready to ask questions and share any concerns.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some signs mean your child needs to see a healthcare provider in person quickly. These include severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, swelling around the eye that worsens, or if the child has a fever with eye symptoms. If your child cannot open their eye or if symptoms get worse despite treatment, seek urgent care. Telemedicine cannot replace emergency eye exams.

Managing Blepharitis at Home

Most blepharitis cases improve with regular eyelid hygiene. This includes gently cleaning the eyelid edges with warm water and a clean cloth or eyelid wipes recommended by the provider. Applying warm compresses can help unblock oil glands. Avoid rubbing the eyes and keep hands clean. Follow the treatment plan your healthcare provider gives you.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Ensure your device is fully charged and connected to the internet.
• Have a clean towel and warm water ready for possible eyelid cleaning demonstration.
• Write down your child's symptoms, when they started, and any treatments tried.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Have a family member assist if needed to help show the child's eyes clearly on camera.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the eyelid hygiene and treatment plan recommended by your provider.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Keep follow-up appointments as advised, either by video or in person.
• Seek immediate care if red flags or worsening symptoms appear.
• Maintain good hand hygiene to prevent further irritation or infection.

FAQs

What causes blepharitis in children?

Blepharitis in children is often caused by blocked oil glands in the eyelids or bacteria that live on the skin. Allergies and skin conditions like eczema can also contribute. It is usually not contagious.

Can blepharitis be cured?

Blepharitis is typically a chronic condition that can be managed but may not be completely cured. Regular eyelid care helps control symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Is blepharitis contagious?

Blepharitis itself is generally not contagious. However, good hygiene is important to prevent spreading bacteria that might worsen the condition.

How long does a video visit take?

A video visit for blepharitis usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the discussion and any demonstrations needed.

Can my child wear contact lenses with blepharitis?

It is often recommended to avoid contact lenses during active blepharitis flare-ups, as they may worsen irritation. Your healthcare provider can give specific advice based on your child's situation.

Sources

1. Blepharitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Blepharitis: Overview and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Blepharitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Blepharitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare provider.