Eye Disorders: Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common and recurrent disorder of the eye lid margin. It is commonly associated with Rosacea of the face, eczema of the eyelid skin, dry eyes, and sties (chalazia). Blepharitis can cause different abnormalities of the eyelid margin, which in turn can cause different symptoms. For example, Rosacea blepharitis effects the oil ("meibomian") glands responsible for lubricating the eye, causing a too thick or soapy secretion. Another type of blepharitis associated with an overgrowth of staphylococcus bacteria (a normal skin bacteria) causes redness of the skin and dandruff of the lashes
What are the symptoms?
Blepharitis can cause a variety of symptoms. Dry eye, burning, eye redness, and foreign body sensation are common. The eyelid margin can be red or quite itchy. Symptoms are often worse In the morning, when the eyes can be stuck or matted shut. The tears and lids can feel sticky or buttery. The lashes can fill with dandruff. Blepharitis can cause chalazia or sties. The skin at the outside corner of the eyelid can break down, getting red and irritated. Occasionally a corneal ulcer will develop, causing a lot of pain and redness. Blepharitis can occur in any age group, but more commonly in the elderly. Only vary rarely will permanent vision loss occur, usually due to corneal scarring. Like most skin conditions, the symptoms may wax and wane over a period of time for unclear reasons. For this reason, symptoms often recur after treatment.
How is Blepharitis treated?
Treatments depends somewhat on what type of blepharitis is present. The mainstay of therapy is eyelid hygiene, which promotes good meibomian gland function and keeps the lid margin and lashes clear of bacteria. Hygiene consists of two steps. First, the eyelids are soaked with a warm, clean washcloth for about 2-3 minutes (not so hot that the skin will burn!). Second, the eyelashes are washed with baby shampoo. This can be accomplished several ways. One method is to place a drop of shampoo on your finger tip, then gently scrub the lashes while the eye is closed for about 10 seconds, taking care not to get any in your eye. Then rinse. Other possible therapies may include an antibiotic or steroid eye drops, or artificial tears. Doxycycline, an oral antibiotic, is often used for Rosacea, because it favorably alters the meibomian gland secretions, thus relieving symptoms.
More information about blepharitis can be found at the National Eye Institute's website