Blepharitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Blepharitis Definition

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids.Blepharitis produces a red-rimmed appearance on the margins of the eyelids. Blepharitis frequently occurs in people who have oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes. Blepharitis is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis is often associated with skin conditions such as rosacea and eye conditions like conjunctivitis.

Blepharitis is more common in females and older persons. It may be associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Blepharitis is also known as Granulated eyelids.

Blepharitis Causes

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. The condition may be difficult to manage because it tends to recur. People who have dandruff or dry skin conditions seem more prone to blepharitis. In some cases blepharitis may be caused by an infection of the eyelids with the same kind of germs that cause boils. Blepharitis is a common disorder and may be associated with a low-grade bacterial infection or a generalized skin condition.

Blepharitis occurs in two forms, anterior and posterior blepharitis:

• Anterior blepharitis affects the outside front of the eyelid.
• Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid

Blepharitis may affected the person of any age, but the blepharitis is commonly found in the older age persons. It is characterized by moderate erythema, dry, moist, or greasy scaling, and yellow crusted patches on various areas, especially the scalp.

Blepharitis symptoms

The blepharitis symptoms may include:

• Inflamed, greasy and sore eyelids
• eye irritation
• burning
• foreign body sensation
• excessive tearing
• frothy tears
• crusting of the eyelashes
• red eyelid margins
• Thickened and swollen eyelids,
• Sticky eyelids, especially in the morning when you wake up,
• A feeling that there is something in your eye,
• Itchiness or a burning sensation,
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia),
• Blurred and decreased vision,
• A decrease in the production of tears,
• Dry eyes,
• Eyelashes growing inwards, and
• Occasional loss of eyelashes and scarring of the eyelids.

Blepharitis treatments

Blepharitis may be treated through unblocking the glands in the eyelid, which may be infected and inflamed.

Another blepharitis treatment,You may take few drops of baby shampoo in a half a cup of water makes a good cleaning solution but always squeeze out the cotton bud before use and wipe the eyes with clean water afterwards.

Treatment for anterior and posterior blepharitisforms of blepharitis involves keeping the lids clean and free of crusts.

Steroids may be used to control inflammation, but the potential side effects speak against long-term use.

Rarely, antibiotic tablets may be needed, if antibiotic ointment or drops do not clear an infection.