Every so often,
you see an older person with eyes like a St. Bernard. You know the look: red
rims, saggy, sort of doleful looking even though the person may be in good
spirits.
That look now is
mine. Temporarily.
It’s a condition
called Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids. It can happen in people of
any age, but for some odd reason, seniors seem more likely to suffer it. Once
you get it, you’re likely to be stuck with it for the rest of your days. But
that doesn’t mean you have to look like a large, sad dog all that time.
My
ophthalmologist has recommended this course of treatment: For two weeks, apply
hot compresses on the eyes each night and morning. Before bed, clean the lids
with warm water and baby shampoo on a Q-tip. Then apply a topical ointment
(your doc can give you a prescription) to the lower rim of the eye.
It works. The
treatment removes the red. Oh, it’ll eventually return, but then you just
repeat the treatment.
Sure beats
hanging a cask of brandy around your neck and heading for the Alps.
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