What is Blepharitis? (Types,symptoms,Treatment)


What is Blepharitis (Types,symptoms,Treatment)

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids often close to the base of the lashes. It usually occurs when tiny glands between lashes become blocked. 

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. The eyelid is folds of skin that keep the eye safe from debris and injury on the edge of the lids are lashes with short curved hair follicles containing oil glands. Blepharitis commonly occurs when the tiny oil glands located on the edge of the eyelids become clogged or irritated resulting in red eyes the condition usually occurs in both eyes and involves the part of the eyelid.  Where the eyelashes grow,  it is a common condition that can develop at any age but is more prevalent in young children and people older than 50 years of age.

These blocks often produce a crusty or oily appearance with flaking of the skin around the eyelid. The lid themselves may become red and swollen. Blepharitis may cause a gritty burning or itchy sensation while uncomfortable. Blepharitis does not result in permanent eye damage. 

 Blepharitis is not sight threatening for example it will not cause permanent damage to the eyesight. However, it can result in permanent alterations of the eyelids margin the condition can be uncomfortable and unsightly. But it is not contagious if left untreated. Blepharitis can lead to
  1.  excess tearing 
  2. difficulty wearing contact lenses 
  3. development of stye 
  4. conjunctivitis and 
  5. corneal ulcer 

Causes

Causes the exact cause of the condition is hard to determine but different factors can increase the risk of getting the condition. This may include 
  1. dandruff of the scalp and eyebrow or seborrheic dermatitis 
  2. eyelash mite or lice 
  3. bacterial infections 
  4. poor hygiene 
  5. when using cosmetic products 
  6. exposure to smokes fumes pollutants and certain chemicals 
  7. allergens such as allergic reactions to certain eye medications or contact lens solution
  8.  malfunctioning of the meibomian glands

Types

  1. Bacterial Blepharitis
  2. Seborrhoeic or squamous blepharitis
  3. Mixed staphylococcal with seborrhoeic blepharitis
  4. Posterior blepharitis or meibomitis
  5. Parasitic blepharitis



Symptoms

  1. itchy eyelids irritated and
  2. watery eye redness loss of eyelashes
  3. sensitivity to light 
  4. eyelashes that grow abnormally
  5. flaking and crusting of the area around
  6. the base of the eyelid burning or
  7. stinging eyes sticking of the eyelids
  8. frequent blinking 
  9. Lash loss
  10. Discharge
you should see a doctor if regular cleaning and care of the affected area does not improve your condition.

Diagnosis

The doctor will carry out a physical examination. During the physical examination the doctor will carefully examine your eye and eyelid the the doctor may use a slit lamp which is a specially developed low-power microscope with an intense beam light source in certain cases, the doctor may collect a swab sample of the oil or crust that forms on your eyelid this sample can be analyzed for bacteria fungi or proof of an allergen.  

Treatment

  1. Washing your eye and applying warm compresses
  2. Prescription medications to fight infections which are available in various forms including cream augments and eyedrops
  3. Prescription medications for inflammation such as steroid eye drop electromechanical lid margin debridement such as bleph X treatment to effectively remove bacteria mites and open clogged meibomian glands
  4. Intense pulsed light or IPL therapy to open clogged island' glands
  5. Thermal pulsation therapy such as lipiflow to melt any material obstructing the meibomian glands
  6. Blepharitis caused by seborrheic dermatitis maybe controlled by treating the underlying condition.
  7. The condition can be a recurring problem the best way to keep the condition from coming back is to clean the eyelids daily to prevent bacterial, eye mites from building up on the eyelid margin.

How to clean eyelid

  1. wash your hands moisten a washcloth or cotton swab with the cleaning solution
  2. wipe eyelashes and lid margin do this gently
  3. rinse with water repeat the same process for your other eye using a different washcloth or cotton swab

 Written by Barsha Panth

Comments

Post a Comment

If you have any doubts, please let me know

Popular posts from this blog

Hyperacute Bacterial Conjunctivitis | Etiology, Symptoms,Signs, Treatments

Image
Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis is also known as acute purulent conjunctivitis or acute amenorrhea is characterized by a violent inflammatory response. It occurs in two forms Adult purulent conjunctivitis Ophthalmia neonatorum in newborn  Hyperacute Conjunctivitis of Adults  (Gonococcal conjunctivitis) Aetiology The disease affects adults, predominantly males, gonococcal infection directly spreads from genitals to eye. Presently, the incidence of gonococcal conjunctivitis has markedly decreased. Symptoms Pain which is moderate to severe. Purulent discharge, which is usually copious,  Swelling of eyelids, which is usually marked. Discomfort and foreign body sanitation Photophobia Sign Eyelids are tense and swollen  Tenderness is marked Discharge is thick purulent, copious trickling down the cheeks. Conjunctiva shows marked chemosis, congestion and papillae, giving bright red velvety appearance. Frequently, a pseudomembrane may be seen on the conjunctival surface. Treatment Systemic
Read more

Diabetic retinopathy | Symptoms|Risk factors|Classification|Complication|Treatment.

Image
What is Diabetic Retinopathy? Contents [ hide ] Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that is caused by high blood sugar that damage the back part of the eye called the retina. It can be dangerous when it is not diagnosed and untreated, which may lead to loss of vision. Diabetic retinopathy  refers to retinal changes seen in patients with diabetes mellitus with an increase in the life expectancy of diabetes, the incidence of diabetic retinopathy has increased. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness. To minimize the risk of this happening, person with diabetes should: They should control their blood sugar level, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The patient should check sugar levels regularly. Diabetic patient should also check their eye regularly. causes  Too much sugar in your blood can lead to the blockage of the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina, cutting off its blood supply. As a result, the eye attempts to grow new blood vessels. but these
Read more

Pinguecula eye | causes | symptoms | treatment | prevention

Image
If you have a small yellowish-white bump in the white part of the eye. That apers to pup out when you look out the mirror. If so, you may have a  pinguecula . Pinguecula is an extremely common degenerative condition of the pterygium . It is characterized by the formation of a yellowish-white patch on the bulbar conjunctiva near the limbus. Causes It has been considered as an age change, occurring more commonly in a person exposed to strong sunlight, dust, and wind. As it is similar to pterygium.  High exposure to dryness increased to development of pinguecula. Working on a laptop for a long period of time or using mobile may also develop pinguecula. As most of the people did not recognize it because they don't have any symptoms. But it is possible that it can cause dryness, redness, and irritation. Symptoms Yellowish growth on the conjunctiva. Sometimes you may notice Redness and irritation in your eye You may also feel discomfort like a foreign body sensation. In most cases, no s
Read more