BLEPHARITIS

 Basic information

description

Blepharitis is an inflammation (redness and soreness) of the eyelid edges. It usually involves the eyelids and eyelashes. It can also include the glands that lubricate the lid, and the white area of the eye.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Redness and greasy flakes on the eyelid edges.
• Small sores on the eyelid. Crusts may form on the edges of the eyelid.
• Discharge from the lids during sleep. Lids may be stuck together in the morning.
• A feeling that something is in the eye. This can cause itching, burning, redness, and swelling of the lid. May also have tearing and be sensitive to bright light.
• Eye may be irritated.
• Eyelashes that fall out.

causes

• Seborrheic blepharitis is caused by a skin condition called seborrhea. It is similar to dandruff.
• Bacterial infection of the eyelash follicles and the glands that lubricate the eye. The infection cannot be spread from one person to another.
• Plugged glands on the eyelid.

risk increases with

• Dermatitis (skin infection).
• Acne rosacea.
• Allergen (substance that causes an allergy) exposure.
• Exposure to chemical or environmental irritants, such as smoke or smog.
• Work that keeps the hands dirty for most of the day.
• Elderly.
• Diabetes.
• Dry eye syndrome.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Wash hands often, and dry them with clean towels.
• Keep face, eyelids, and scalp clean.
• Avoid places where dust or air pollutants are heavy.
• Get treatment for any skin disorders.
• Control dandruff with anti-dandruff shampoos.

expected outcomes

Symptoms can be improved with treatment. The condition is usually chronic and the symptoms come and go. If treatment is stopped, it tends to recur. It is usually not a serious condition. Complications are rare.

possible complications

• Styes or chalazia (blocked oil gland on the eyelid).
• Conjunctivitis (eye inflammation).
• Loss of eyelashes or they grow in misdirected.
• Ulceration of the cornea (the covering of the eye).
• Scarred eyelids.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider can diagnose blepharitis by an exam of the affected eyelid area. Other medical tests are not usually needed.
• Treatment will be prescribed for any problem that is causing the disorder or any complications.
• Warm soaks and keeping eyelids clean are usually advised for self-care
  • For soaks, dampen a clean washcloth with warm water and place it over closed eyes. Do this four times a day, for about five minutes each time. Later on, you may apply the compress once a day, for a few minutes.
  • Cleansing the eyelids is important. Clean them twice a day with: warm water only, baby shampoo diluted with warm water, or a special product made for cleaning the lids. Dip a clean washcloth, cotton swab, or gauze pad into the cleaning solution. Gently wipe it across your lashes and lid margin. Rinse with cool water and dry the area.
• Avoid use of eye makeup until symptoms improve. When used, be sure to remove it each night at bedtime.
• Ask your health care provider about using contact lenses while you have the symptoms. You may need to temporarily discontinue their use.

medications

• Eye drops or ointment may be prescribed for use after the eyelid area is cleaned.
• Use artificial tears solution for dry eyes.
• Drugs to be taken by mouth may be prescribed in more severe cases.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of blepharitis.
• You have pain in the eye(s).
• Your vision changes.
• Symptoms recur after treatment.

Special Notes: