Blepharitis

It is a generic term for several types of eyelid inflammation usually surrounding the lid margin and eyelashes . including both infectuous and non infectuous forms.

Chronic Blepharitis is often linked to poor hygiene.

• What Causes Blepharitis?
• Symptoms
• Treatment

What Causes Blepharitis?

Blepharitis occurs in two forms:

Anterior blepharitis

Affects the outside front of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. The two most common causes of anterior blepharitis are bacteria (Staphylococcus) and scalp dandruff.

Posterior blepharitis

Affects the inner eyelid (the moist part that makes contact with the eye) and is caused by problems with the oil (meibomian) glands in this part of the eyelid. Two skin disorders can cause this form of blepharitis: acne rosacea, which leads to red and inflammed skin, and scalp dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).

Symptoms:

The symptoms are bilateral and may vary but they always include any or all of the following:

• Itching.
• Burning.
• Scratchiness.
• Foreign body sensation.
• Excessive tearing.
• Crusty debris around eyelashes.

Treatment:

Treatment of both forms of Blepharitis involves keeping lids clean and free of crusts.

The goal of the treatment is to dilate the meibomian openings using warm water, and to remove the debris and bacteria surrounding these openings using a cleanser.

Steps of the treatment

1. Warm compresses: should be applied to the lid to loosen the crusts and dilate meibomian opening.
2. Light scrubbing of the eyelid with eyelid cleansing solution or body shampoo. Also to remove crusts and dilate meibomian opening.
3. Treat bacterial infections with a suitable antibiotic.
4. Tear replacement to protect the cornea.

The first 2 steps should be used in all forms of Blepharitis.

Blepharitis does not usually affect vision or damage the eye. It’s a chronic, manageable condition in most cases.

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Blepharitis
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