Complete Guide to Blepharitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Blepharitis is a relatively frequent eye condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids. You may be more susceptible to blepharitis if you have oily skin or specific skin problems. You may experience redness, swelling, inflammation, and itching, as well as crusty flakes on your lashes that resemble dandruff.

Both eyes are typically affected in the corners of the eyelids by blepharitis, which can be acute or chronic. Although it is a chronic illness, it is not communicable.

Differences Between Anterior and Posterior Blepharitis

Anterior blepharitis

Anterior blepharitis affects the area outside the eye where eyelashes adhere to the eyelid. Usually, dandruff from your scalp or eyebrows or microorganisms on your skin are to blame. Although it is uncommon, allergies or mites or tiny parasites may occasionally result in anterior blepharitis.

Posterior blepharitis

Posterior blepharitis is a form of blepharitis that affects the periphery of the inner border of the eyelid, which is the area where the eyelid comes into contact with the eye. Inflammation of the posterior lid margin is associated with this condition.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which happens when the oil glands in the eyelids clog, is the leading cause of posterior blepharitis. It may provide an atmosphere that is conducive to the growth of germs.

Additional causes include;

• Rosacea and dandruff on the scalp
• Infectious and allergic conjunctivitis
• Systemic disorders such as atopy and eczema
• Demodex infestation

What Are the Symptoms of Blepharitis?

Symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Red, burning eyes that are inflamed
• Eyes that are oily or swollen
• Crusting of the corners of your eyes and eyelashes causes your eyelids to stick together
• Wet eyes or a lot of tears
• Skin flakes accumulate around your eyelids and eyes
• Blinking too much
• Sensitivity to light
• Loss of eyelashes
• Visual impairment
• Trichiasis (growth of eyelashes that face your eyes instead of away from them)
• Itching
• Bacterial conjunctivitis
• keratitis

What Are the Main Causes of Blepharitis?

Blepharitis can result from infections, problems with the meibomian glands, and certain skin diseases.

Some of the causes of blepharitis are:

• Acne rosacea
• Dandruff
• Mites or lice in eyelashes
• Dry eyes
• Meibomian gland dysfunction

What Are the Available Treatment Options for Blepharitis?

Treatment for blepharitis depends upon the type. Some of the treatment options include:

Antibiotics

You may be prescribed an antibiotic ointment, such as erythromycin, bacitracin ophthalmic, or Polysporin for your eyelid, or antibiotic eye drops, like a blend of polymyxin B and trimethoprim (Polytrim). These therapies lessen irritation and help clear up the bacterial infection. If the case doesn't go away, you might need to take an oral antibiotic, such as azithromycin or doxycycline.

Immunomodulators

It has been demonstrated that treating posterior blepharitis with an immunomodulatory medication, such as cyclosporine ophthalmic (Restasis), reduces inflammation.

Anti-inflammatories

If you require more vital medication, your doctor may add a steroid eye drop or ointment to your treatment regimen. Steroids decrease inflammation.

Antibiotics & Anti-inflammatories

If you require more potent medication, your healthcare professional may decide to supplement your treatment plan with a steroid eye drop or cream to address underlying illnesses or follow-up infections.

Blepharitis can be treated through some of the clinical procedures like:

• BlephEx - cleaning margins of eyelids
• Bright red light pulses are applied to your eyelid skin as part of intense pulsed light therapy.
• Lipiflow, which expresses the harmful oils while warming the lids.

What are Some Easy Ways to Treat Blepharitis at Home?

• Eyelid hygiene: You can apply warm, wet compresses to the eyelids and eyelashes for ten minutes while keeping your eyes closed. Some examples of these compresses are washcloths, microwaveable heat masks, and electronic compresses.
• Avoid makeup: In order to reduce the amount of irritation that you experience, you should refrain from using eye makeup until the inflammation has been treated.
• Scrubs for the lids: They lessen the amount of microorganisms on your eyelid skin and dandruff on your lashes.
• Obtain some omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s, which are present in fish and flax seed oil, have been shown in certain studies to improve the function of the glands in your eyes.
• Green leafy vegetables: Consuming leafy green vegetables and steering clear of foods heavy in fat can also be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions