ABSTRACT – Blepharitis is the inflammation of eyelids or at the base of eyelashes area. It occurs when oil...
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is the inflammation of eyelids or at the base of eyelashes area. It occurs when oil glands near the eyelashes gets clogged. It results in irritation and red eyes with inflammation. Different reasons can cause Blepharitis. Chronic Blepharitis is difficult to treat. It can be uncomfortable and unpleasant to look. It is not contagious and does not cause damage to eyesight for longer period. Poor hygiene is not always the reason.
CAUSES –
Seborrheic dermatitis i.e. dandruff on scalp and eyebrows
Meibomian gland dysfunction in which glands don’t secrete enough oil into the tears
Bacterial/ fungal infections
Mites or lice on eyelashes
Dryness of eyes
Allergic reaction due to eye medication, contact lens solution or eye makeup
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Swelling of eyelids, sometimes appear red in color
Red eyes
Burning and stinging sensation
Greasy eyelids
Skin flakes around the eyes
Frequent blinking
Sensation in the eyes which feels like foreign bodies
Crusts at the base of eyelashes
Watery eyes
Photophobia
DIAGNOSIS –
Examination of eyelids by using special magnifying instrument
Skin swabbing to collect sample for diagnosing the type of fungal infection, allergy or bacteria
Slit light examination
TREATMENT –
Oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs
Eye drops or ointments
Calcineurin inhibitor works on immune system to reduce skin inflammation
Electromechanical lid margin debridement – It removes bacteria, fungus, mites from eyelids and opens clogged Meibomian glands.
Thermal pulsation treatment melts and expresses material obstructing the meibomian glands.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy opens clogged eyelid glands.
Eyelid scrubs remove bacteria, crusts from eyelids.
PREVENTIONS –
Proper cleaning of eyelids
Artificial tears as prescribed to overcome eye dryness
Placing warm cloth on eyes and use as eye mask
Massaging of eyelids releases oil from the glands
Control dandruff, mites
COMPLICATIONS –
Abnormal growth or excessive falling of eyelashes
Abnormal oil secretion results in excess tearing or dry eyes
Difficulty in wearing contact lenses
Sty
Corneal injury in extreme cases
Conjunctivitis
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
It is not specific to any age group or gender but the probability of getting this is more in females as compared to males.
Estimation shows that 8.8% of population of age 40 and above are suffering from Blepharitis.