Blepharitis Symptoms

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids, it can be very uncomfortable and painful. This article will tell you all about blepharitis symptoms which will help in early blepharitis diagnosis and treatment.

Blepharitis is one of the most common eye diseases characterized by the inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis can affect people of all age groups. Blepharitis can be caused due to bacteria, scalp dandruff, allergies or skin disorders. Blepharitis is not contagious, but some of the blepharitis symptoms can cause severe discomfort. There are two types of blepharitis, one is anterior blepharitis in which the anterior or outside edges of the eyelids (where eyelashes are attached) is affected, whereas the other is posterior blepharitis in which the inner edges of the eyelids (which come in contact with eyeball) are affected. Let’s look at the causes and symptoms of blepharitis.

Anterior Blepharitis Causes

• Anterior blepharitis is caused mainly due to staphylococcal bacteria.
• Allergies caused due to chemical irritants, certain medications or allergies caused due to some animals.
• A skin disease called psoriasis which is characterized by red, scaly patches on the scalp and ears.
• A skin disorder called seborrheic dermatitis which causes red, itchy and scaly skin on the scalp and face.

Anterior Blepharitis Symptoms

• Thickening of the eyelid margins.
• Sticking together of the eyelids.
• Loss of eyelashes.
• Tearing and itching of eyelids.
• Redness and swelling of the eyes and lining of the eyelids.
• Blurred vision.

Posterior Blepharitis Causes

• The main cause of posterior blepharitis is blockage or inflammation of the meibomian glands in the eyelids.
• Dysfunction of meibomian glands or oil glands causes dry eyes and scaling on the eyelids.
• Shedding of dead skin of the scalp.
• Rosacea which is characterized by skin redness, burning and itching.

Posterior Blepharitis Symptoms

• Burning sensation in the eye.
• Feeling of presence of a foreign body in the eye.
• Swollen eyelids and redness of the eyes.
• Mucous discharge from the eyes.
• Blurred vision and pain in the eyes.
• Excessive tear production.

Blepharitis Diagnosis

If you observe any of the above blepharitis symptoms you must consult an ophthalmologist immediately. Blepharitis symptoms are obvious and help in diagnosis of blepharitis wherein the eyelid structure and skin damage would be examined using a slit-lamp microscope. After examining, the culture samples are collected and sent for proper study in the laboratory, to decide on the proper treatment. If it is related to a skin disease, a dermatologist’s help may be sought. Let’s look at some of the possible treatments for blepharitis.

Blepharitis Treatments In case of blepharitis caused due to bacteria, doctors will prescribe oral antibiotics along with eye drops and ointments for the eyelids. When blepharitis is caused due to skin disorders like rosacea skin, treatment is focused on getting rid of this skin disorder first. Dermatologists treat blepharitis on the lines of seborrhoeic dermatitis

treatment by some anti-inflammatory and mild steroids. In case of blepharitis caused due to allergies, avoiding contact with the allergen like chemicals, smoke or animals is necessary. Getting rid of dandruff by use of anti-dandruff shampoos on the scalp can also help. Blepharitis recur in most cases, so prolonged treatment is necessary.

Alternative Blepharitis Treatments Using warm and moist compresses on the eye, thrice a day, can help to lessen the itching

and pain. Even gently cleaning the eyelids with a mixture of water and baby shampoo can help to get rid of scales. Always wash your hands and rinse the eyes with clean water. Avoid using contact lenses and wearing makeup during the period of blepharitis treatment. Artificial tear solutions can also be used in some cases to provide relief to the eyes.

Blepharitis can be effectively treated with a proper treatment. But taking proper eye care and following good hygiene can help to avoid or ease blepharitis. Early diagnosis can also help, so watch out for the blepharitis symptoms listed above, it will help you get rid of the discomfort and pain caused by blepharitis and thus aid a fast recovery.