Chronic inflammation of the eyes is known as blepharitis. More often than not blepharitis is the underlying condition leading to eye irritation. Symptoms of blepharitis are;

• Redness of the eye

• Tearing of the eye

• Burning and itching of the eye

• Light sensitivity

• A sandy, gritty sensation in the eye (this conditions is worst upon awaking)

Blepharitis is a chronic disease for which there is currently no cure. Long treatment is needed in order to keep the condition under control. There are two phases to treatment; the acute and the maintenance phase. The acute phase involves intensive therapy to bring the condition under control. Maintenance involves a continuing program of the minimum amount of therapy necessary to keep the condition under control.

Many practitioners, especially those of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believe there is a link between dry eye syndrome and chronic inflammation. Chronic Inflammation is instigated when pro-inflammatory hormones (cytokines, prostaglandins) signal the white blood cells to isolate and clear out antigens, damaged tissue and infected areas of the body. The inflammatory process then moves into high gear, neutralizing and eliminating the intruder and then beginning the healing process. If such inflammation is acute and ebbs and flows according to specific needs, then the immune system is working efficiently. However, sometimes the inflammatory response does not switch off when the danger has passed. This leads to chronic inflammation.

Stress, smoking, high blood sugar levels, bacteria, viruses and parasites are all contributory factors towards chronic inflammation.

The organ that rules the eyes in TCM is the liver and it is the liver that is the organ of detoxification. Improper detoxification leads to inflammation. Although no clinical trials have yet directly linked dry eye syndrome with chronic inflammation, the experience of many practitioners is that excessive inflammation will absorb lubricant s from all over the body – including the eyes.