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conditions > Blepharitis
Blepharitis
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis causes inflammation
of the eyelids. The condition
can be difficult to manage because of its tendency to recur.
There are two forms of Blepharitis that occur:
- Anterior blepharitis affecting the front of the eyelid
- Posterior blepharitis affecting the inner eyelid.
Causes of Blepharitis
Blepharitis is most commonly caused by an infection of a
common skin bacteria called Staphylococcus, other causes include
seborrheic dermatitis (similar to dandruff along the edge
of the eyelid )
Anterior blepharitis affects the front of
the eyelid and the most common causes of anterior blepharitis
are
bacteria (Staphylococcus) and seborrheic dermatitis.
Posterior blepharitis affects the
inner eyelid and is caused by problems with the oil
(meibomian) glands
under the eyelid. This form of blepharitis can be caused
by two skin disorders: acne rosacea, which leads to
red and inflamed skin, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Diagnosis of blepharitis
Common symptoms of blepharitis include:
- Redness of the eyelids
- Iitchy
or irritated eyelids
- Crusting
of the edge of the eyelids or lashes
- A dry
or scratchy feeling to the eye
- Sensitivity
to light (photophobia)
- Swollen
eyelids
- Redness
of the eye
- Blurred
vision
Other complications from blepharitis
include:
Stye: A red tender bump on the eyelid that is caused
by an acute infection of the oil glands of the eyelid.
Chalazion: This condition can follow the development
of a stye. It is a usually painless firm lump caused
by inflammation of the oil glands of the eyelid. Chalazion
can be painful and red if there is also an infection.
Treatments for Blepharitis
Blepharitis can be treated through
- Unblocking the glands in the
eyelid, which may be infected and inflamed.
- Replacing the tears with lubricants,
if the eyes are dry (dry
eyes and
blepharitis may occur together).
- Treating any infection present
with Antibiotic Cream.
- Tablets: to treat infection
and reduce the inflammation using Antibiotic tablets.
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