Blepharitis
Video: Blepharitis – What is it?
What is it?
BBlepharitis is a condition where the rims of the eyelids become inflamed. This can cause your eyes and eyelids to become red, irritated and itchy.
Blepharitis is a chronic condition. It is estimated that it is responsible for 5% of all eye problems that are reported to general practitioners. The condition is more common in older adults, though it can develop at any age.
Causes?
The exact cause of Blepharitis is unknown. One of the main reasons postulated is that the oils, which are normally liquid at body temperature, are turned to a sludge or solid state by an overgrowth of normal bacterial flora which metabolize the oil thickening it up. This then blocks the glands, leading to inadequate amounts and poor quality oil in the tear film.
These factors induce inflammation on the ocular surface to variable degrees, but not usually causing overt infection. Finally, a viscous circle ensues of increasingly viscous oils in the glands leads to blockage of the glands, chronic dilatation of the glands and loss of normal architecture and function.
Symptoms?
Most people will experience repeated episodes of blepharitis and then have long periods of time where they do not have any symptoms. Symptoms tend to be worse in the morning, and both eyes are typically affected.
Symptoms include:- Itchy, sore red eyelids
- Eyelids stick together, difficulty opening the eyelids on waking due to matting
- Eyelash encrustment
- Burning, gritty sensation in the eyes,
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia),
- Abnormal eyelash growth
- Loss of eyelashes
Treatment
Developing a regular routine of eyelid hygiene is essential in the long term treatment of Blepharitis. It is important that you clean your eyelids every day, whether or not you are experiencing any symptoms. You should consider it part of your daily routine, like showering or brushing your teeth. Effective eyelid hygiene will reduce both the severity and frequency of symptoms.
A trilogy of fist hot compresses to the lids, then lid massage and finally a mild detergent lather to the lid margins form the core of this very mundane but effective management. Blepharitis cannot be cured only kept in check with regular lid hygiene if problematic.
In more severe cases, the use of antibiotic ointments or tablets may be recommended if there is no improvement in symptoms after a longer period of regular eye lid hygiene.
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Treatment of Blepharitis
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