What Is Meant by Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a very common eye-lid disease affecting all and the sundry, but primarily affecting the children. In ophthalmic jargon, it is defined as the inflammation of eyelids. The margins of the eyelids become red or darkened in color and exhibit swelling and scaliness. Blepharitis typically impacts both eyes simultaneously. It can occur due to skin irritation from a skin condition, an infection, or blockage of the oil glands. All of these factors can occur simultaneously. Blepharitis refers to inflammation, but it can progress to an eye infection. Nevertheless, the majority of blepharitis cases are not contagious and are unlikely to result in blindness.
Do Various Types of Blepharitis Exist?
Two types of blepharitis exist, distinguished by their location on the eyelids. They are:
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Anterior Blepharitis: Anterior blepharitis manifests when the front exterior of the eyelid, where the eyelashes emerge, becomes red or darkened in color, swollen, or when dandruff appears on the lashes.
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Posterior Blepharitis: Posterior blepharitis occurs when the oil-producing meibomian glands beneath the eyelid generate thickened or unhealthy oil.
What Are the Symptoms of Blepharitis?
Blepharitis leads to the following symptoms in varying combinations:
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Flakes or crusting on eyelashes.
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Intermittent itching.
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Grittiness or foreign body sensation in eyes.
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Eyelid swelling.
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Pain in eyes.
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Redness of eyes.
What Are the Causes of Blepharitis?
Blepharitis may occur due to problems with the meibomian glands responsible for producing the oils present in tears, specific skin conditions, or infections.
Factors Leading to Anterior Blepharitis:
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Acne Rosacea: Facial skin inflammation caused by rosacea can extend to involve the eyelids.
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Allergy: Allergies to eye drops, contact lens solution, or makeup can lead to irritation.
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Seborrheic Dermatitis: Flaking dandruff can irritate the eyelids and induce inflammation.
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Dry Eyes: Dry tear ducts can disrupt bacterial resistance, leading to infection.
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Demodicosis: Ice or Demodex mites may obstruct eyelash follicles and glands around the eye. According to one study, approximately 30% of individuals with chronic blepharitis were found to have Demodex mites.
Factors Contributing to Posterior Blepharitis:
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Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): When the secretion from the meibomian glands becomes obstructed, individuals may experience dry eyes, leading to inflammation and potential infection.
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Acne rosacea.
What Confirms the Diagnosis of Blepharitis?
Diagnosing blepharitis doesn't rely on a single test but involves several steps. Initially, the eye care provider gathers the health history, assessing symptoms and potential risk factors. Next, an external examination of the eyelids determines appearance and severity based on signs like redness, discharge, and swelling. Cultures of eyelid discharge are sometimes taken to identify bacteria and their quantities. Tear tests evaluate dry eye involvement, while eyelash examinations under a microscope detect mites. In rare cases, an eyelid biopsy may be necessary to rule out abnormalities like skin cancer. This involves numbing the lid and taking a cell sample for microscopic analysis, typically leaving no scarring.
What to Do to Get Relief?
For certain forms of blepharitis, practicing self-care at home could alleviate symptoms. If you suspect you have blepharitis, consider these suggestions:
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Refrain from using eye makeup to reduce irritation until the inflammation is under control.
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Dampen a clean washcloth with warm water. Squeeze out any excess water and then place the cloth over the eyelids. Repeat this process as needed to maintain a consistent temperature of the cloth. Over time, the crusts will soften, making it easier to remove oily debris. Microwavable heat masks available for purchase can retain heat for longer periods and might offer enhanced effectiveness.
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Certain studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, present in fish or flaxseed oil, can improve the function of the glands in the eyes. Consuming green, leafy vegetables and avoiding high-fat foods can also provide benefits.
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Lid scrubs are accessible without a prescription, typically in the form of a spray, foam, or individually wrapped towelettes, often containing hypochlorous acid. They aid in reducing dandruff on lashes and decreasing bacterial levels on the skin of the eyelids.
Rx (possible medications):
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Tab Doxycycline 100 mg once to twice daily for 7-14 days, depending upon the severity of the condition.
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Eye ointment Nebracin is to be massaged twice daily over eyelid margins. Alternatively, erythromycin ointment or azithromycin could be used for seven to ten days.
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Eye drops Refresh tears four to six times daily for seven to ten days.
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Eye drops Cromyl forte 4 % thrice daily.
What Are the Complications of Blepharitis?
Individuals with blepharitis may also experience:
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Eyelash issues may arise. Blepharitis can lead to eyelash loss, abnormal growth (misdirected eyelashes), or changes in color.
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Skin problems on the eyelids may occur. Long-term blepharitis can lead to scarring on the eyelids. Additionally, the edges of the eyelids may turn inward or outward.
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Excessive tearing or dryness in the eyes can occur. Irregular oily secretions and debris shed from the eyelids, such as flaking related to dandruff, may accumulate in the tear film, which consists of water, oil, and mucus and forms tears. An irregular tear film disrupts the maintenance of moisture on the eyelids, potentially leading to eye irritation and manifesting symptoms of either dry eyes or excessive tearing.
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stye is an infection forming near the base of the eyelashes results in a painful lump along the eyelid's edge. Typically, a stye is most noticeable on the surface of the eyelid.
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A chalazion develops when there is an obstruction in one of the small oil glands located at the edge of the eyelid, positioned just behind the eyelashes. This blockage triggers inflammation of the gland, leading to swelling and redness of the eyelid. This condition may resolve on its own or progress into a firm, painless lump.
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Blepharitis may result in recurring episodes of conjunctivitis.
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Prolonged irritation from inflamed eyelids or misaligned eyelashes can induce the formation of a corneal sore. Insufficient tear production may heighten the likelihood of a corneal infection.
Conclusion:
If the condition does not resolve within 2 weeks, one must seek an urgent ophthalmic consultation to rule out pediculosis or a masquerading sebaceous carcinoma. The thick and thin of this article is that blepharitis is a very common condition but it can be easily prevented and treated by maintaining good ocular hygiene and taking proper medications. So, crust it off and take care of the eyes and health in general.