Blepharitis is an irritation of the eyelids caused by mostly infection by microorganism or allergy and some time due to irritation.
Seborrheic dermatitis, or bacterial infection, or a combination of both may cause blepharitis. Allergies or eyelash infestation with lice may rarely cause blepharitis. Blepharitis induces excess oil production by the glands near the eyelid, which supports the growth of bacteria, which are normally present on the skin. Eyelids become red and irritated, with scales that adhere to the eyelash base. It may relate to repeated styes and chalazia.
Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) causes
- Inflammatory/allergic blepharitis caused by the increased shedding of skin cells near the eyelids.
- Allergic blepharitis may cause by chemical irritants, medication side effects (ocular or systemic) and caused by the exposure to animals (dog or cat).
- Ulcerative or infectious blepharitis often caused by the infectious, yellowish or greenish discharge.
Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) Symptoms
- Eye itching,
- Irritation,
- Burning,
- A different unknown sensation in the eye
- Feel eye dryness is common.
- Eyelids may be red, ulcerative and may bleed.
- Vision is usually normal, but a poor tear film may cause blurs vision.
- Redness, warmth, and swelling may note in advanced cases.
- Flaking and eyelid gluing of the lashes are common.
- Infectious blepharitis may have been yellow/green discharge, which causes gluing of the eyelids, especially in the morning.
- Seborrheic blepharitis has dry flaky patches of skin, and dandruff is common on the scalp and eyebrows.
- Increase in tear secretion.
- Chronic blepharitis may have a marked negative effect upon vision and therefore, needs eyeglass prescription.
Blepharitis Care at Home
Good eyelid care is sufficient and the best treatment for blepharitis. Stop using eye makeup or contact lenses until eyelid inflammation is total clear. Eye lenses should place in a hygienic case with disinfectant solution.
- Warm moist compresses should apply on the eyelids for four times a day to clean it and to reduce discomfort. To maintain the warm condition for longer time, can use a hot-water bottle over the compress.
- Clean towel should be useful during cleansing.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes, even though have been itching and another discomfort.
- Gluing of eyelids is normal during wake-up and needs carefully cleansing of the eyelids with a cloth, moisten in a diluted detergent such as baby shampoo, or baby body wash.
- If needed artificial tears may be used, which make the eyes feel comfortable?
- Wash the hands often to avoid recontamination of the eye, also it helps others not be infected.
Most of the time there is minimal or no discharge, and the blepharitis is not contagious.
Blepharitis Medical Treatment
A topical antibiotic can be useful if having an infectious form of blepharitis. Occasional blurred vision may occur after infusion of eye drops or ointments. However, this will clear up quickly.
Sometime antibiotic drops or ointments with cortisone are used. If cortisone containing eye drops or ointments is used, should not use it for prolonged periods. They may lead to glaucoma in susceptible individuals. Cortisone containing eye medications should never use without the advice of an ophthalmologist.
Many for the treatment of blepharitis and dry eye nowadays use omega-3 fatty acid pills.