Posts Tagged ‘Blepharitis’

Prognosis,Complications of Blepharitis and what can be done to treat it.

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Signs and symptoms of blepharitis include red, irritated, itchy eyelids, and the formation of dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes.

Ignorance and no treatment can cause some complications in case of blepharitis :
- Sty: A bacterial infection in one of the oil glands. The opening of the gland is clogged. You can feel a painful lump on the edge or inside of your eyelid.
- Chalazion: It occurs when a blockage in one of the oil glands causes that gland to become enlarged and scarred.
- Chronic pink eye: Blepharitis can lead to recurrent bouts of pink eye (conjunctivitis).
- Ulceration of the cornea: Ulcer can be caused to develop on your cornea due to constant irritation from inflamed eyelids or misdirected eyelashes.

Good hygiene and regular cleaning of the area can control signs and symptoms of blepharitis and prevent complications. It can be done through :
- Warm Compress : Soak a clean, soft cloth with warm water and place the cloth over the closed eye. The frequency of this treatment should be confirmed by the doctor. The warmth in it can open up a blocked residue.
- Eyelid cleaning : Soak a clean cloth into the cleansing solution (recommended by the doctor) and wipe the cloth over the eyelashes and margin of the lids and then gently wash the eye with cold water.
Change the cloth, and repeat the process for the other eye.
- Antibiotic ointment : Using a clean fingertip or cotton swab, gently apply a small amount at the base of the eyelashes before bedtime. Artificial tears or steroid eye drops may also be prescribed temporarily to relieve dry eye or inflammation.
- Eye make up should be avoided or immediately removed.
- If the eyes are dry, lubricating eyedrops or artificial tears may help.

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What is Blepharitis – its causes and symptoms.

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelid margins that causes severe discomfort to a person. The disorder usually starts in childhood and may continue throughout life. It causes red, irritated, itchy eyelids, and the formation of dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes.

Types of Blepharitis

- Anterior blepharitis : It affects the area where the eyelashes are attached i.e. the outside front of the eyelid.
- Posterior blepharitis : The moist inside part of the eyelid is affected. It is caused by problems with the Meibomian glands in this part of the eyelid.

Causes of Blepharitis

- Blepharitis frequently occurs in people who have a tendency toward oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes.
- Blepharitis occurs when the small oil glands near the base of the eyelashes don’t work properly.
- The cause is overgrowth of the bacteria that is normally found on the skin.
- Blepharitis is usually caused by seborrheic dermatitis or a bacterial infection, and sometimes it is a combination of both.
- Allergies and eyelash infestation with lice may also cause blepharitis.

Symptoms of Blepharitis

- Watering of eyes.
- Whitish and yellowish material deposits at eyelid margins.
- Burning, itching in eyes.
- In some extreme cases, lid margin gets thickened.
- Falling of eyelashes but it is replaced quickly.
- Small ulcers may be present between whitish or yellowish material.
- Irritation.
- Mild photo-phobia can happen.
- Burning, gritty and sandy sensation in eyes.
- Crusting of the eyelids.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Swollen eyelids.
- Repeated styes and chalazia are observed.