Encyclopedia - Blepharitis

What are the characteristics of this condition?
How is blepharitis controlled?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can affect persons of all ages. Excess oil is produced in the glands near the eyelid, which creates a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. It is a common condition that has multiple causes. The three most prevalent forms of this condition are seborrheic, staphyloccocal, and mixed. Another less common, but severe form of blepharitis, is ulcerative blepharitis.

What are the characteristics of this condition?

Seborrheic blepharitis, the least severe and most common form, is often associated with dandruff of the scalp or acne-like skin conditions. It is a dysfunction of a type of gland that exists in the eyelid and the skin. This type of blephartis usually affects the mature population and appears as greasy flakes or scales around the base of the eyelashes and as a mild redness of the eyelid. Symptoms are itchiness, foreign body sensation, discharge, and burning.

Staphylococcal blepharitis is an infection of the eyelids and commonly begins in childhood, continuing throughout adulthood. Invading bacteria cause inflammation of the eyelids and produce irritants and bacteria toxins that are harmful to the eye. Crusting, scaling, hair losses, chronic redness, and whitening of lashes are common symptoms. Treatment is most important to prevent potential scarring of the cornea and conjunctiva.

Mixed blepharitis is a combination of both seborrhea and staphyloccocal forms of this condition, and symptoms of both types can appear.

Ulcerative blepharitis is characterized by matted, hard crusts around the eyelashes that result in small sores that may bleed or ooze when removed. Loss of eyelashes, distortion of the front edges of the eyelids, and chronic tearing may also occur. The cornea (See Anatomy of the Eye)may also become inflamed.

In any form of blepharitis, the conjunctiva and cornea can be affected. Even mild conditions can be uncomfortable and unattractive, and if untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Complications - such as prolonged infection, injury to the eye tissue from irritation (corneal ulcer), inflammation of the conjunctiva, loss of eyelashes, and scarring of the eyelids - may occur.

How is blepharitis controlled?

Good eyelid hygiene is essential in treating blepharitis. Warm, moist compresses can also help relieve symptoms when used in conjunction with regular eyelid cleansing. Because staphylococcal blepharitis is an infection, antibiotics and/or corticosteroids can treat the infection and help reduce the swelling.

Although chronic and bothersome, blepharitis can be controlled. Symptoms, however, are chronic, recurring, and remitting, and there may be no definitive cure. The problem can disappear for long periods of time and then return. Medication alone is not sufficient treatment, and keeping the eyelids clean is essential to restoring a normal, healthy environment.