Blepharitis : Blepharitis is a condition where the margins of the eyelids become red and swollen. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis is when you have bacteria and oily flakes at the base of your eyelashes. Blepharitis is very common, especially among people who have oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes. It’s common and treatable.
Causes of Blepharitis
The exact cause of blepharitis isn’t clear. There are several possible causes of blepharitis, including:
- Bacterial eyelid infection
- Seborrheic dermatitis — dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
- Dry eyes
- Fungal eyelid infection
- Parasites (Demodex eyelash mites)
- Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens or eye makeup
Symptoms of Blepharitis
Blepharitis symptoms and signs include:
- Irritated, watery eyes
- Itchy, sore and red eyelids that stick together
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Swollen eyelid margin
- Red eyes
- A gritty, burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Eyelids that appear greasy
- Flaking of the skin around the eyes
- Crusted eyelashes upon awakening
- Abnormal eyelash growth or loss of eyelashes in severe cases
- More frequent blinking
- Eyelashes that grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes)
- finding contact lenses uncomfortable to wear
In most cases, both eyes are affected, but one eye can be more involved than the another. The symptoms lead to be worse in the morning.
Diagnosis of Blepharitis
- Your physician will thoroughly examine your eyelids and your eyes.
- In particular cases, your physician may use a swab to collect a sample of the oil or crust that forms on the eyelid. This sample can be examined for bacteria, fungi or mark of an allergy.
Treatment of Blepharitis
Blepharitis is usually a long-term condition. It can’t ordinarily be cured, but a daily eyelid-cleaning routine can help control the symptoms and prevent persistent scarring of the eyelid margins.
There are three main measures of eyelid hygiene that should be performed once or twice a day:
- Using a warm compress – Wet a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water.
- Gently massaging your eyelids – to push the oils out of the glands
- Cleaning your eyelids – Rinse thoroughly with a clean, warm, wet washcloth.
If blepharitis results from a problem with the oil glands, the physician may suggest a testosterone cream to put on the eyelids. More drastic cases you may need antibiotics that are either used to the eye or eyelid directly or perceived as tablets.
Complications of Blepharitis
- Dry eye syndrome
- Conjunctivitis
- Meibomian cysts
- Styes
- Damage to the cornea
- Chalazion
- Ulceration of the cornea
- Chronic pinkeye