Bacitracin ointment

[bealjanier]

A couple months ago my optometrist prescribed Bacitracin ointment for blepharitis. I think it's the anterior type. After the first appointment, I returned in about a month and he said the lids were pretty much free of scales but the lids were still swollen. So he said to keep putting the Bacitracin on the lids at least twice a day for a year, until my next eye exam. I had to laugh about using it for a whole year. Is that the normal amount of time to use the ointment? Also, does anyone know if you can develop a resistance to it since it's an antibiotic? It just seems like an odd plan of treatment, but maybe it's the norm? Just wondered what you all thought. Thanks!

[Melissa W]

I am not sure what is the norm regarding this but I would perhaps try using lid scrubs now once the bleph is under control and d/cing the bacitracin and see what happens. If there is no need for you to use the bacitracin then I would not continue but you may not know till you stop it and evaluate what happens. You may be able to maintain your benefits with just lid scrubs alone.

Best wishes,
Melissa

[bealjanier]

Hi Melissa,

Thanks for your reply. I have been using the Occusolft lid scrubs and they do really help but I'm afraid they're not enough to clear the bleph. They help with the scales but the eyes are still swollen. I think the Bacitracin helps with the foreign substance in the eye feeling and the loss of eyelashes, but that's it. I just don't know if it's harmful to use it long term. Maybe azasite drops will improve things.