Blepharitis

EYE CONDITIONS

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis (pronounced /blɛfərˈaɪtɪs/) is an ocular disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins. Blepharitis may cause redness of the eyes, itching and irritation of the eyelids in one or both eyes. 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. It is also often mistaken for "dry eye" by patients due to the gritty sensation that may occur, however lubricating drops do little to improve the condition.

There are two types of blepharitits: seborrheic and Staphylococcus(staph)

What is Seborrheic blepharitis?

Seborrheic Blepharitits is associated with dandruff of the scalp and may be part of an overall skin disease affecting the chest, back, and behind the ears.  With seborrheic blepharitis the glands of the eyelis produce an abnormal amount of tear film that normally coats, protects, and lubricates the eye.  Most common conditions related to seborrheic blepharitis include:

• Nutrition
• General physical health
• Hormones
• Stress

Symptoms of Seborrheic blepharitis

• Redness of the eyelids
• Scaling and/or flaking around the eyelashes.

What is Staph blepharitis?

Staph Blepharatis is a more severe condition and is caused by bacteria.  Staph blepharitis often begins as a child and continues through adulthood.

Symptoms of staph blepharitis

• Matted, hard crusts around the eyelashes
• Bleeding or oozing ulcers when crust is removed
• Redness
• Formation of a sty
• Loss of lashes

Treatment of  Blepharitis

It is often difficult to distinguish between the two types of blepharitis.  the main difference is the presence of ulcers with staph blepharitis.  However, both forms of the disease are treated similarly.

Maintain very clean eyelid margins by scrubbing with a solution of warm water and mild baby shampoo. In more severe cases antibiotic drops and ointments are used to control the condition. Blepharitis can be a continuing problem which is difficult to eliminate completely, but with treatment and patient cooperation blepharitis can be controlled.