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Blepharitis - Blepharitis symptom, treatment, causes

What is Blepharitis ?

Blepharitis is defined as the inflammation of the eyelids, usually affecting both eyes. Symptoms are redness, swelling and itching or burning of the lids, with small crusts on their margins. Often no cause can be discovered, but infec-tion, chemical or mechanical irritation or allergy may contribute to this condition. Chronic blepharitis is thought to be due to disorders of the glands that secrete oil beside the roots of the lashes, and may be associated with scalp dandruff if dandrufflike scales block the gland ducts.

Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelids, particularly at the lid margins. The condition affects the skin of the eyelids, and it usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow (lid margins). Commonly, blepharitis occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes malfunction. In severe cases, it may also cause styes, irritation and inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) and conjunctiva. Some patients have no symptoms at all. Blepharitis is one of the most common disorder of the eye and is often the underlying reason for eye discomfort, redness and tearing. There are 3 forms of blepharitis (staphylococcal, seborrheic and MGD). All three forms of blepharitis are chronic in nature. Patients with staphylococcal blepharitis are relatively young with a short history of ocular symptoms. Its appearance is often confused with conjunctivitis and due to its recurring nature it is the most common cause of "recurrent conjunctivitis" in older people. Allergies and eyelash infestation with lice may also cause blepharitis, although these causes are less common. Chronic blepharitis is often linked to an occupation that causes dirty hands, or poor hygiene in general. Blepharitis usually affects both eyes on the edge of the eyelids and although rarely serious, it can be an uncomfortable, persistent and irritating problem.

Blepharitis may be connected to repeated styes and chalazia. Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid and is caused by problems with the oil (meibomian) glands in the eyelid. Two skin disorders are the cause: acne rosacea and scalp dandruff. Blepharitis is often a chronic condition that is difficult to treat. Although it's uncomfortable and may be unattractive, blepharitis doesn't cause permanent damage to eyesight. Risk factors are seborrheic dermatitis of the face or scalp, rosacea, lice, and allergies. Blepharitis can be difficult to manage because it tends to recur. The inflammation results in scaly and crusty eyelids and the eyes may also feel tired and gritty or become uncomfortable in sunlight or smoky atmospheres.  Blepharitis is often associated with skin conditions such as rosacea and eye conditions like conjunctivitis. Blepharitis does not usually affect vision or damage the eye. It is a chronic, manageable condition in most cases. Blepharitis can begin in early childhood, producing "granulated eyelids" and continuing throughout life as a chronic condition, or it can develop later in life. Treatment depends on the type of blepharitis you have. Warm Compresses followed by Lid Scrubs is the most critical element of effective blepharitis control.

Causes of Blepharitis

The common causes and risk factor's of Blepharitis include the following:

• Seborrheic dermatitis (a skin disorder that causes itching, flaking, and inflammation).
• A bacterial infection.
• Malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelid.
• A combination of factors.
• Drugs and allergens can cause acute blepharitis.
• Exposure to chemical fumes, smoke and other pollutions and irritants.

Symptoms of Blepharitis

Some sign and symptoms related to Blepharitis are as follows:

• Sandy, itchy eyes.
• Dandruff.
• Crusty, flaky skin on the eyelids
• Sensitivity to light.
• Frothy tears.
• A gritty, burning sensation in the eye.
• Loss of eyelashes may occur.
• Blinking causes a granular sensation (like sand or dust in the eye).

Treatment of Blepharitis

Here is list of the methods to treat Blepharitis:

• Sometimes doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream.
• Warm Compresses followed by Lid Scrubs is the most critical element of effective blepharitis control.
• If your blepharitis makes your eyes feel dry, the doctor may also prescribe artificial tears or lubricating ointments, or suggest silicone punctal plugs.
• Sometimes steroids are used to control inflammation, but the potential side effects speak against long-term use.
• Apply eye drops before any eye ointment prescribed and as often as instructed by the doctor.
• If the blepharitis is caused by lice, the nits (lice eggs) should be carefully removed with tweezers, and steps should be taken to keep the patient free of lice.
• Baby shampoo or special cleansers may be recommended by your health care provider.
• Rarely, antibiotic tablets are needed if antibiotic ointment or drops do not clear an infection.

Treatment of Blepharitis should deal with any underlying cause. Crusts can be removed by bathing the lids with a lukewarm salt solution (half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of water). Your doctor may suggest a suitable ointment to apply to the edges of the lids at night. Dandruff should be reduced by regular use of anti-dandruff shampoo. Chronic blepharitis may be slow to respond to treatment and, because it often recurs, repeated treatments may be needed.