Blepharitis

Preferred list (P)

LID HYGIENE ROUTINE

  • For full details on lid hygiene routine see NHSL Patient Information Leaflet (NHS staff link).
  • Once a patient is diagnosed with blepharitis it is likely that the patient will always suffer from this condition.

 

Specialist initiation (S1)

CHLORAMPHENICOL 1% ointment

  • Restriction: Blepharitis with associated eye infection only.

FUSIDIC ACID 1% eye drops

  • Restriction: Blepharitis with associated eye infection in patients with known allergy to chloramphenicol or in pregnancy only. Fusidic acid and its salts are narrow spectrum antibiotics reserved for staphylococcal infections.

Eye Compress Device

  • Eye compress devices are not routinely recommended.
  • A hot damp face flannel can be used for heat massage, followed by lid hygiene, in the treatment of blepharitis (see NHSL Patient Information Leaflet [NHS staff link]).
  • Where a device has been recommended by an Optometrist/Ophthalmologist the NHSL product of choice is Clinitas Hot Eye Compress. Please see the Optometry flowchart for indications - NHSL Clinitas Hot Eye Compress Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
  • Clinitas Hot Eye Compress is re-usable (in excess of 365 times).
  • For information - various devices are available to purchase.

NHSL Joint Adult Formulary Key

To indicate the category of a formulary medicine, updated sections adopt the following key:

Preferred list (P): First-line formulary choices.

Total list (T): Alternative choices when preferred list options not effective/not tolerated, or not indicated.

Specialist initiation (S1): Specialist initiation, or on the advice of a Consultant or Specialist Practitioner in this therapeutic area. Continuation in primary care is acceptable.

Specialist use only (S2): Supply via hospital, Homecare Service or a hospital based prescription (HBP) for dispensing by community pharmacy. Not prescribed in primary care setting.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/01/2022

Next review date: 31/01/2025

Author(s): NHSL.

Version: Please refer to the introduction section for an explanation of the review dates above.

Approved By: ADTC

Reviewer name(s): ADTC.