Blepharitis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

Our eyes are delicate organs that help us to look at things. It is mandatory to take utmost care of our eyes. There are various factors that can cause disturbances and irritate the eyes. One such infection is Blepharitis.

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a medical term used to indicate irritated or swollen eyelids. It is among the foremost common eye disorders. Although it’s a chronic or ongoing condition, you’ll be able to manage yourself effectively with the proper guidance of an eye care professional.

Blepharitis may be a joint eyelid inflammation with a complex set of causes. It’s also called lid margin disease because it only affects the edges of your eyes. Bacteria can lead to infection.

As a result, the eyelids can become red and swollen. Blepharitis can affect both eyes. In specific cases, it affects only one eye, but this is often uncommon. Once Blepharitis occurs, it’s also possible to get another infection. Most cases aren’t contagious, meaning they doesn’t spread through contact and won’t cause blindness.

How common is Blepharitis?

Most types of Blepharitis affect adults, children and the elderly of both genders equally. However, certain forms, like staphylococcal Blepharitis, affect women more than men. It’s right to understand that it’s pervasive and the symptoms can be managed.

How many types of Blepharitis are identified?

Blepharitis is classified by its location.

There are two types:

• Anterior Blepharitis is when the eyelid’s front exterior changes colour and swells.

• Posterior Blepharitis is the more common type of Blepharitis that happens when the oil glands within the underside of the eyelid produce oil erratically.

What are the causes of Blepharitis?

All of us have some bacteria present on our skin. Some people have more bacteria, specifically at the bottom of their eyelashes, than others. This will cause flakes that resemble dandruff.

Also, some people have problems with their oil glands, resulting in Blepharitis.

Other times, Blepharitis may result from an over-population of microscopic mites, referred to as Demodex, living inside the eyelash follicles.

Though the causes of Blepharitis aren’t well known, there are various factors that can cause the infection. Bacteria or other conditions that cause inflammation are believed to be among the culprits.

These include:

Anterior Blepharitis

• Acne rosacea. Rosacea causes facial skin inflammation, including eyelids.
• Allergies. Allergies to contact solution, eye drops or makeup can trigger itching or irritation.
• Dandruff. Dandruff flaking can irritate eyelids, causing inflammation.
• Dry eye. Dry tear ducts can alter bacterial resistance, leading to infection.
• Lice or mites. Follicles or glands in the eyelids become blocked with Demodex mites or lice that can cause infection.  

Posterior Blepharitis

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Openings of oil glands in the eyelids become clogged, causing dry eyes, which may result in inflammation and infection. This common type could also be the least preventable. Skin conditions like rosacea or dandruff can also trigger posterior Blepharitis.

What are the common symptoms of Blepharitis?

Blepharitis can make your eyelids feel itchy and appear red, swollen and scaly. Because the scales are courser, the eyelid surface gets irritated and forms crusts, which can cause your lids to stick together. You’ll wake up with a crust on your eyelashes that’s heavier than the regular crust you are used to seeing. Rather than a standard clear or white, the eye discharge may be more yellow or green.  

Some of the other symptoms include:

• Burning sensation in the eyelid area.
• Excessive blinking.
• Blurred vision.
• Crusting of eyelashes and eyelid corners.
• Dry eye.
• Eyelids stuck together.
• Excessive tearing.
• Flakes of skin around eyes.
• Greasy eyelids
• Itching
• Light sensitivity
• Red-coloured, swollen eyelids.
• Irritated eyes.

How is Blepharitis diagnosed?

As many conditions often cause Blepharitis, it’s difficult to diagnose. There’s no one test for this ailment. Here are some steps your eye care provider may take to analyse the disease type.

• Medical history. A doctor or a healthcare provider will enquire about the symptoms or other health conditions to determine the risk factors.

• External eyelid exam. The looks of the eyelids and the severity of discharge and swelling will help determine the type.

• Discharge cultures. A small sample or swab of secretion sent to a lab for further examination can determine the contents, including what type of bacteria is causing the infection.

• Tear test. Tears can determine if dry eye may be a contributor.

• Eyelash examination. Evaluating the eyelashes can detect mites.

• Eyelid biopsy. Rarely, extreme swelling may require a biopsy to rule out carcinoma or other abnormal cells. An eye care provider will numb the lid with an anaesthetic. Then a biopsy takes a small sample of cells to be examined under the microscope. You’ll experience some bruising, but there’s usually little or no scarring.

Can I treat my Blepharitis at home?

For some types of Blepharitis, self-care option may help soothe the symptoms. If you think you have Blepharitis, try these tips:

• Avoid eye makeup. To reduce irritation, you’ll want to restrain eye makeup till the infection is managed.

• Use compresses. Take a clean cloth and wet it with hot water. Squeeze out excess water, place it over your eyelids, and repeat till the symptoms are managed.  

• Clean the eyelids. Use a clean cloth to wash each eyelid. This may help reduce any bacteria spread from one eye to the other. Place the wet washcloth over your index and apply the soapy solution.

• Rinse thoroughly with a clean, wet and warm washcloth.

How will an eye-fixed care provider treat Blepharitis?

Blepharitis treatment will depend on the type. After diagnosing your eyelid swelling, your provider can prescribe medicines, including:

• Antibiotics. Applying a prescription antibiotic ointment, like bacitracin ophthalmic, on your eyelid or using antibiotic eye drops, like a combination of polymyxin B and trimethoprim, can help resolve the bacterial infection and lessen the redness and irritation. Oral antibiotic medication is prescribed for more tenacious cases.

• Anti-Inflammatories. A steroid eye drops or cream is often included in your treatment plan if your doctor thinks you need a more potent medicine. Steroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation. Sometimes antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are prescribed to treat any underlying health conditions or secondary infections.

• Immunomodulators. Adding an immunomodulatory drug, like Cyclosporine Ophthalmic in posterior Blepharitis, the body can reduce inflammation. These drugs block the body’s natural immune reaction and therefore reduce inflammation.

• Root cause treatment. It is essential to treat the root causes that trigger Blepharitis in addition to treating mild symptoms. Skin conditions like dandruff, or eye ailments like dry eye, can lead to Blepharitis. In such cases, a dandruff shampoo or prescribed eye drops for dry eyes may help.

What complications may result from Blepharitis?

Blepharitis can’t be cured. However, the infection can be managed through proper eyelid hygiene. If left untreated, Blepharitis may cause other more severe eye conditions, including corneal problems, which can be significant.

Complications include:

• Chalazion. A chalazion may be a minor, painless eyelid swelling.
• Corneal ulcer. A sore on the cornea may result from long-term infection or swelling.
• Eyelash problems. Eyelashes can shed, grow in odd directions, or lighten due to chronic Blepharitis.
• Pink eye. Some types of Blepharitis may turn into chronic pink eye.
• Sty. This may be a red, painful eyelid bump near the eyelashes.
• Tear film issues. Tears exist during a fragile balance of mucous, oil and water to keep eyes protected and moist. If skin or oily debris accumulates and causes irritation, dry eyes or excessive tearing may result.

How do I prevent Blepharitis?

Most Blepharitis cases aren’t preventable. Some risk factors for Blepharitis, like certain skin conditions, are beyond your control. But to attenuate Blepharitis’s symptoms, here are simple steps:

• Keep the hands, eyes and face clean.
• Resist the urge to touch itchy eyes. Use a clean tissue if you want to.
• Remove all makeup before sleep.
• Wipe away excess tears or eye drops with a clean tissue.
• Wear glasses rather than contact lenses until the condition clears.
• Replace eye makeup, eyeliner, eye shadow or mascara, as bacteria could also lurk within the old container, and you want to avoid reinfection.

To sum up

Blepharitis and its symptoms of swollen, red eyelids can be irritating. But in most cases, it’s a condition you’ll manage relatively well. With a simple eyelid hygiene routine, you’ll likely have fewer flare-ups.

Your blepharitis treatment will depend on the type. After diagnosing your eyelid swelling, your provider can prescribe medicines or treatment.

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