Blepharitis

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis causes inflammation of the eyelids. The condition can be difficult to manage because of its tendency to recur.

There are two forms of Blepharitis that occur:

• Anterior blepharitis affecting the front of the eyelid
• Posterior blepharitis affecting the inner eyelid.
  

Causes of Blepharitis

Blepharitis is most commonly caused by an infection of a common skin bacteria called Staphylococcus, other causes include seborrheic dermatitis (similar to dandruff along the edge of the eyelid )

Anterior blepharitis affects the front of the eyelid and the most common causes of anterior blepharitis are bacteria (Staphylococcus) and seborrheic dermatitis.

Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid and is caused by problems with the oil (meibomian) glands under the eyelid. This form of blepharitis can be caused by two skin disorders: acne rosacea, which leads to red and inflamed skin, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Diagnosis of blepharitis

Common symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Redness of the eyelids
• Iitchy or irritated eyelids
• Crusting of the edge of the eyelids or lashes
• A dry or scratchy feeling to the eye
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Swollen eyelids
• Redness of the eye
• Blurred vision

Other complications from blepharitis include:

Stye: A red tender bump on the eyelid that is caused by an acute infection of the oil glands of the eyelid.

Chalazion: This condition can follow the development of a stye. It is a usually painless firm lump caused by inflammation of the oil glands of the eyelid. Chalazion can be painful and red if there is also an infection.

Treatments for Blepharitis

Blepharitis can be treated through

• Unblocking the glands in the eyelid, which may be infected and inflamed.
• Replacing the tears with lubricants, if the eyes are dry (dry eyes and blepharitis may occur together).
• Treating any infection present with Antibiotic Cream.
• Tablets: to treat infection and reduce the inflammation using Antibiotic tablets.