Blepharitis and CBD

 I suffer occasionally from Blepharitis. For those of you familiar with this condition, you definitely want to read this! For those of you who are unfamiliar, let me explain.

 (blef-uh-RYE-tis) is inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis usually affects both eyes along the edges of the eyelids. Blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, causing irritation and redness.

Most of the time, blepharitis happens because you have too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes. Having bacteria on your skin is normal, but too much bacteria can cause problems. You can also get blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or irritated.

Blepharitis tends to be worse in cold windy weather, air-conditioned environments, prolonged computer usage, sleep deprivation, contact lens wear, and with general dehydration. It also tends to be worse in the presence of active skin disease e.g., acne rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis. In my case, I believe it to be caused by prolonged computer usage with contact lenses.

Home treatments for blepharitis include applying warm compresses and scrubbing the eyelid with baby shampoo. Try to use a separate compress or washcloth for each eye because blepharitis can spread from one eye to the other.

Sounds lovely, I know. 

In my case, the Blepharitis is often complicated with a Chalazion. A chalazion is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland. It is a small cyst that is on the inside of the eyelid. In some cases, it can be external.

So recently I had another outbreak of blepharitis. I kept thinking “I don’t want to go through this again!” Then, I remembered the definition of blepharitis is “inflammation of the eyelids”.   I also use Imbue Botanicals CBD products. Imbue CBD is known to treat inflammation. So, I thought, why not?

I proceeded to follow my usual process of cleaning with very warm to hot compresses on the eyes for approximately 10-15 minutes. I’d suggest this at the minimum morning and evening. Then I broke open an im-bued-50mg Black Label capsule because it was one of the stronger, more concentrated capsules. They are easy to break open, simply hold upright and twist the capsule. I would suggest using a Q-tip to apply the liquid over your eyelids. BUT NOT IN YOUR EYE!  You can also use your fingers, but just wash your hands thoroughly with an anti-bacterial soap before and after. In my previous experience, I had to endure a 10-14 day period where my eye was swollen. However, in this case the condition was nearly completely healed within 2-3 days! The cyst took just a few days longer but it was hardly noticeable!

I’m not claiming that based on my experience with one episode that this is cure-all for blepharitis but if I ever get it again, I know what I’m going to do!