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Blepharitis
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis, also known as granulated eyelids, is a common condition that causes
inflammation of the eyelids. The condition can be
difficult to manage because it tends to recur.
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 inflamed skin, and scalp dandruff (seborrheic
dermatitis).
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
Symptoms of either form of blepharitis include a
foreign body or burning sensation, excessive
tearing, itching, sensitivity to light
(photophobia), red and swollen eyelids, redness
of the eye, blurred vision, frothy tears, dry
eye, or crusting of the eyelashes on awakening.
What other conditions are associated with
blepharitis?
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.
- Problems with the tear film: Abnormal or
decreased oil secretions that are part of
the tear film can result in excess tearing
or dry eye. Because tears are necessary to
keep the
cornea healthy, tear film problems
can make people more at risk for corneal
infections.
How is blepharitis treated?
Treatment for both forms of blepharitis
involves keeping the lids clean and free of
crusts. Warm compresses should be applied to
the lid to loosen the crusts, followed by a
light scrubbing of the eyelid with a cotton
swab and a mixture of water and baby
shampoo. Because blepharitis rarely goes
away completely, most patients must maintain
an eyelid hygiene routine for life. If the
blepharitis is severe, an eye care
professional may also prescribe antibiotics
or steroid eyedrops.
When scalp dandruff is present, a dandruff
shampoo for the hair is recommended as well.
In addition to the warm compresses, patients
with posterior blepharitis will need to
massage their eyelids to clean the oil
accumulated in the glands. Patients who also
have acne rosacea should have that condition
treated at the same time.
Other Resources
The following organizations may be able to
provide additional information on
blepharitis:
American Optometric Association
243 N. Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 991-4100
http://www.aoanet.org
Publishes an information sheet called
Answers to your questions about: Blepharitis
American Academy of Ophthalmology
P.O. Box 7424
San Francisco, CA 94120-7424
(415) 561-8500
Distributes a fact sheet on blepharitis for
patients. The fact sheet is available in
both English and Spanish.
For additional information, you may wish to
contact a local library.
Ref: National Eye Institute |
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