Blepharitis caused by allergies. Blepharitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Eyelid Inflammation
What is blepharitis and how does it affect eye health. What are the common symptoms of blepharitis. How can blepharitis be effectively managed and treated. What are the potential complications of untreated blepharitis. How is blepharitis diagnosed by eye care professionals. What lifestyle changes can help prevent blepharitis flare-ups. Are there any home remedies that can alleviate blepharitis symptoms.
Understanding Blepharitis: An Overview of Eyelid Inflammation
Blepharitis is a common eye condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids. This persistent issue affects the delicate skin around the eyes, causing discomfort and a range of symptoms that can impact daily life. While not contagious or typically sight-threatening, blepharitis can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.
The condition primarily manifests as redness, swelling, and irritation of the eyelids, often accompanied by itching and a gritty sensation in the eyes. One of the hallmark signs of blepharitis is the presence of crusty, dandruff-like flakes on the eyelashes, particularly noticeable upon waking.
Key Features of Blepharitis
- Affects both upper and lower eyelids
- Can occur in one or both eyes
- Often a chronic condition requiring long-term management
- May be associated with other skin or eye conditions
Is blepharitis a serious condition? While blepharitis can be uncomfortable and persistent, it rarely causes permanent damage to eyesight. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more significant eye problems and affect quality of life.
Identifying the Symptoms: Recognizing Blepharitis
Recognizing the symptoms of blepharitis is crucial for early intervention and effective management. The signs can vary in severity and may fluctuate over time, but typically include a combination of the following:
- Red and swollen eyelids
- Itchy or burning sensation in the eyes
- Feeling of grittiness or foreign body sensation
- Excessive tearing or dry eyes
- Crusting of the eyelids or eyelashes
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurred vision (in some cases)
Can blepharitis cause vision problems? While not directly affecting vision in most cases, severe or untreated blepharitis can lead to temporary blurred vision due to tear film disruption or corneal involvement.
Additional Signs to Watch For
Some individuals with blepharitis may experience:
- Foamy tears or small bubbles in the tear film
- Eyelashes that fall out more easily
- Eyelashes growing in abnormal directions
- Thickened eyelid margins
The Root Causes: Understanding Blepharitis Etiology
Blepharitis can stem from various factors, often involving an interplay of multiple causes. Understanding these underlying factors is essential for effective treatment and prevention of recurrence.
Primary Causes of Blepharitis
- Bacterial overgrowth: An excess of bacteria on the eyelids, particularly at the base of the eyelashes
- Meibomian gland dysfunction: Clogging or irritation of the oil glands in the eyelids
- Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin condition causing scaly patches and red skin
- Allergies: Particularly those affecting the eyelashes and surrounding skin
- Demodex mites: Microscopic parasites that live in hair follicles
What role do bacteria play in blepharitis? Bacteria naturally present on the skin can overgrow, leading to inflammation and the characteristic symptoms of blepharitis. This is particularly common in anterior blepharitis, which affects the outer part of the eyelid.
Contributing Factors
Several conditions and factors can increase the risk or severity of blepharitis:
- Rosacea: A skin condition causing facial redness and small, red, pus-filled bumps
- Dandruff: Flaky skin on the scalp that can affect the eyebrows and eyelashes
- Oily skin: Excess oil production can contribute to clogged glands
- Hormonal changes: Can affect oil gland function
- Certain medications: Some drugs may alter tear production or oil gland function
Types of Blepharitis: Anterior and Posterior Variants
Blepharitis is typically classified into two main types based on the affected area of the eyelid. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for targeted treatment approaches.
Anterior Blepharitis
Anterior blepharitis affects the front edge of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. This form is often associated with:
- Bacterial infection
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Allergies (in rare cases)
- Demodex mite infestation (uncommon)
Symptoms of anterior blepharitis typically include redness at the base of the eyelashes, scaling, and crusting.
Posterior Blepharitis
Posterior blepharitis involves the inner edge of the eyelid that comes into contact with the eye. It’s often related to dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily part of tears. Common associations include:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Rosacea
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Symptoms may include a greasy or foamy appearance to the eyelid margins and dry eye sensations.
Can a person have both types of blepharitis simultaneously? Yes, it’s possible to experience both anterior and posterior blepharitis concurrently, which may require a comprehensive treatment approach addressing both forms.
Diagnosis and Evaluation: How Eye Doctors Identify Blepharitis
Diagnosing blepharitis typically involves a thorough examination by an eye care professional. The process is generally straightforward and non-invasive, focusing on a close inspection of the eyes and eyelids.
Steps in Blepharitis Diagnosis
- Medical history review: The doctor will inquire about symptoms, duration, and any related health conditions.
- Visual examination: Using bright light and magnification, the eye doctor will closely inspect the eyelids, lash line, and eye surface.
- Eyelid margin assessment: The doctor may gently press on the eyelids to check for oil secretion from the meibomian glands.
- Tear film evaluation: The quality and quantity of tears may be assessed to determine if dry eye is a factor.
- Skin examination: The surrounding facial skin may be checked for signs of related conditions like rosacea.
What specific tools might an eye doctor use to diagnose blepharitis? In addition to a standard ophthalmoscope, doctors may use a slit lamp microscope for detailed examination of the eye structures and eyelid margins.
Additional Diagnostic Measures
In some cases, further testing may be necessary:
- Cultures: To identify specific bacteria if an infection is suspected
- Biopsy: Rarely, a small tissue sample may be taken if unusual growths are present
- Tear osmolarity test: To measure tear salt content, indicating dry eye severity
Treatment Strategies: Managing Blepharitis Effectively
While blepharitis is often a chronic condition, various treatment strategies can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. The cornerstone of blepharitis treatment is maintaining good eyelid hygiene.
Eyelid Hygiene Routine
A daily cleansing routine is essential:
- Apply warm compresses to loosen crusts and oil
- Gently massage eyelids to express clogged oil glands
- Cleanse eyelids with diluted baby shampoo or specialized eyelid cleanser
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
How often should eyelid hygiene be performed for blepharitis? For active blepharitis, twice-daily cleansing is often recommended. Once symptoms improve, once-daily maintenance may be sufficient.
Medical Treatments
Depending on the severity and type of blepharitis, additional treatments may include:
- Topical antibiotics: To combat bacterial overgrowth
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Such as steroid eye drops for short-term use
- Oral antibiotics: For more severe cases or when rosacea is involved
- Artificial tears: To relieve dry eye symptoms
- Tea tree oil: For cases involving Demodex mites
Advanced Therapies
For persistent cases, newer treatments may be considered:
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy: To improve meibomian gland function
- LipiFlow: A thermal pulsation system to clear blocked meibomian glands
- BlephEx: Professional deep cleaning of eyelid margins
Complications and Associated Conditions: Beyond Blepharitis
While blepharitis itself is not typically sight-threatening, it can lead to various complications if left untreated or poorly managed. Understanding these potential issues underscores the importance of proper care and timely intervention.
Common Complications
- Stye (Hordeolum): A painful, red bump on the eyelid due to an infected oil gland
- Chalazion: A firm, painless lump resulting from a blocked oil gland
- Chronic dry eye: Due to tear film disruption and meibomian gland dysfunction
- Corneal problems: Including inflammation and ulceration in severe cases
- Eyelash issues: Including loss (madarosis) or misdirected growth (trichiasis)
Can blepharitis cause permanent damage to the eyes? While rare, severe and chronic blepharitis can potentially lead to corneal scarring or vision changes if left untreated for extended periods.
Associated Conditions
Blepharitis often coexists with or can exacerbate other ocular and dermatological conditions:
- Ocular rosacea: Eye involvement in rosacea patients
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): Often closely linked with posterior blepharitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Can worsen blepharitis symptoms
- Seborrheic dermatitis: May affect both scalp and eyelids
Lifestyle and Prevention: Minimizing Blepharitis Flare-Ups
While blepharitis can be a chronic condition, certain lifestyle modifications and preventive measures can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Implementing these strategies can significantly improve quality of life for those affected by blepharitis.
Preventive Measures
- Maintain good eyelid hygiene: Regular cleansing even when symptoms are not active
- Manage underlying conditions: Such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
- Use clean makeup and tools: Replace eye makeup regularly and avoid sharing
- Protect eyes from irritants: Wear sunglasses to shield from wind and dust
- Stay hydrated: Adequate water intake supports overall eye health
How can diet affect blepharitis symptoms? While not a direct cause, a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in inflammatory foods may help manage symptoms in some individuals.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Consider implementing these changes to support eye health:
- Take regular breaks from digital screens to reduce eye strain
- Use a humidifier in dry environments to maintain eye moisture
- Avoid rubbing eyes, which can introduce bacteria and irritate eyelids
- Practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can exacerbate inflammatory conditions
- Consider using preservative-free eye drops if artificial tears are needed
Blepharitis management is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. By understanding the condition, recognizing its symptoms, and implementing appropriate treatment and prevention strategies, individuals can effectively manage blepharitis and maintain optimal eye health. Regular check-ups with an eye care professional remain crucial for monitoring the condition and adjusting treatment plans as needed. With proper care and attention, the impact of blepharitis on daily life can be significantly reduced, allowing for improved comfort and ocular well-being.
Blepharitis | National Eye Institute
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At a glance: Blepharitis
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a common eye condition that makes your eyelids red, swollen, irritated, and itchy. It can cause crusty dandruff-like flakes on your eyelashes.
Blepharitis can be uncomfortable. But it isn’t contagious, and it usually doesn’t cause any lasting damage to your eyes.
The main treatment for blepharitis is regularly cleaning your eyelids and keeping them free of crusts. Blepharitis usually doesn’t go away completely, but you can take steps to manage your symptoms. Talk to your eye doctor about what’s causing your blepharitis and the best ways to manage it.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
Common symptoms of blepharitis are:
- Feeling like there’s something in your eye
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Red and swollen eyes or eyelids
- Tears that are foamy or have small bubbles in them
- Dry eyes
- Crusty eyelids or eyelashes when you wake up
Blepharitis can also cause more serious problems like:
- Blurry vision
- Eyelashes that fall out
- Eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction
- Swelling of other parts of the eye, like the cornea
Am I at risk for blepharitis?
You’re at higher risk for blepharitis if you have:
- Dandruff — flaky patches of skin on your scalp or face
- Rosacea — a skin condition that causes redness and bumps, usually on your face
- Oily skin
- Allergies that affect your eyelashes
What causes blepharitis?
Most of the time, blepharitis happens because you have too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes. Having bacteria on your skin is normal, but too much bacteria can cause problems. You can also get blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or irritated.
What are the types of blepharitis?
There are 2 types of blepharitis. You may have 1 type of blepharitis, or you may have both types at the same time.
Anterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis affects the outside of your eye, where your eyelashes attach to your eyelid. It usually happens because of bacteria on your skin or dandruff from your scalp or eyebrows. Allergies or mites (tiny parasites) may also cause anterior blepharitis, but this is rare.
Posterior blepharitis. Posterior blepharitis affects the outside of the inner edge of the eyelid — the part that touches your eye. This type of blepharitis happens when the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged. Common skin conditions like rosacea and scalp dandruff can cause posterior blepharitis.
How will my eye doctor check for blepharitis?
Your eye doctor can check for blepharitis by doing a physical eye exam. During the exam, your doctor will take a close look at your eyes, eyelids, and eyelashes. They may use a bright light or a special magnifying tool.
What other health problems can blepharitis cause?
Blepharitis can lead to other eye problems, including:
- Stye. A stye is a red, painful bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.
- Chalazion. A chalazion is a hard, painless lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. Often, this happens when you have a stye that doesn’t go away. It can make your eyelid swell and turn red. A chalazion will often go away on its own.
- Dry eye. Oil and flakes can build up in your tear film (a thin layer of tears across the surface of your eye). This can make your eyes feel dry. Or your eyes may feel watery or teary because your tears aren’t working correctly. Learn more about dry eye.
- Damage to the cornea. In severe cases, blepharitis can hurt your cornea (the clear outer layer at the front of your eye). This can happen because of swelling or irritation in your eyelids or eye lashes that grow in the wrong direction.
- Chronic (long-term) red eye. Blepharitis can make the white part of your eye look red all the time.
What’s the treatment for blepharitis?
The best way to treat blepharitis is to keep your eyelids clean and free of crusts. Use water and a gentle cleanser (like baby shampoo) to clean your eyelids and remove crusts every day.
Steps for cleaning your eyelids when you have blepharitis:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Mix warm water with a gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo.
- Dip a clean, soft cloth or cotton swab in the warm cleanser and water mixture.
- Press the cloth against your closed eye for a few minutes to loosen crusts. This can also help keep your oil glands from clogging.
- Gently rub the cloth or cotton swab back and forth, focusing on the area where your eyelashes meet your eyelids.
- Rinse your eye with clean water.
- Repeat these steps on your other eye using a new cloth or cotton swab.
There are other treatment options that may help you manage blepharitis. Ask your eye doctor if any of these options are right for you:
- Eye drops. Your doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops to control redness, swelling, and irritation. Your doctor may also recommend a type of eye drops called artificial tears. You can get these eye drops without a prescription.
- Medicines that fight infection. If your blepharitis is caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, ointments, or pills.
- Treating other health problems. If another health problem like rosacea or dandruff is causing your blepharitis, treating that condition will help.
Blepharitis usually doesn’t go away completely. You’ll need to follow a routine for cleaning your eyelids for the rest of your life to keep it under control.
Last updated: August 31, 2020
What is allergic blepharitis? Causes, symptoms, and treatment
What Is allergic blepharitis?
Blepharitis, simply defined as inflammation of the eyelids, is one of the most common ocular conditions encountered by primary eye care providers and accounts for a growing percentage of primary care medical visits.
Allergic blepharitis is more commonly regarded as an allergic eye condition that involves eyelids due to sensitization to the common environmental proteins. Indeed, this diagnosis is more likely to be used by the eye doctors (pediatric ophthalmologists) who look at the specific eye parts only. If the child is seen by a pediatrician or an allergist, the eyelid allergic condition will be more likely to be viewed as the symptom of the immune allergic sensitization.
It is interesting, but specialists also disagree on the possible causes and treatments of the allergic blepharitis. More evidence of the system involvement will hopefully lead to a better clinical approach in all specialties.
Allergic blepharitis is linked to atopy by all specialists and primary care providers, which emphasizes the importance of allergy evaluation and treatment.
Blepharitis facts from different specialties
An optometrist opinion: “it is important to note that a majority of the data utilized in prevalence estimation comes from survey-based samples and may be subject to considerable overlap of conditions sharing similar presentations, including seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, dermatitis, atopy, and dry eye syndrome (DES)”.
Dermatologist opinion:
The pathophysiology of blepharitis is a complex interaction of various factors, including abnormal lid-margin secretions, microbial organisms, and abnormalities of the tear film. Blepharitis can present with a range of signs and symptoms, and is associated with various dermatological conditions, namely, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema.
Allergist opinion:
We, as specialists in all types of allergy and regard entire body, find that there are two different mechanisms that can cause allergic reactivity of the eye:
- Environmental airborn allergens (pollen, cat hair, dust mites etc.)
- Contact allergens (creams, cosmetics, detergents, eye drops etc.)
Dependent on the location of contact or the immune cells involved the eye and eyelid disease names can be different. Here are some eye disease names:
- Atopic keratoconjuctivitis
- Allergic blepharoconjuctivitis
- Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
- Contact dermatitis of the eyelid
An ophthalmologist opinion:
The classification of primary blepharitis has been used to encompass rosacea, seborrhea, and hypersensitivity caused by Staphylococcal toxins. Secondary blepharitis refers to infectious processes, bacterial or viral, or infestation by phthiriasis or Demodex. Substantial overlap of signs and symptoms exist between primary and secondary causes. As the classifications suggest, primary blepharitis tends to be a more involved etiology with a more complex presentation. Secondary blepharitis tends to be a result of a distinct disease entity rather than the cause of the blepharitis itself.
Indeed, the whole difference between these diagnoses can be mainly symptom-based:
- Eyelid allergy – blepharitis or contact dermatitis
- Inside the eye – conjunctivitis (only soft conjunctiva, but cornea is not involved),
- Keratoconjunctivitis (all eye surface, so vision suffers)
Types of allergic blepharitis
Blepharitis is commonly cataloged by eye doctors based upon anatomic location. Anterior blepharitis is defined as inflammation affecting the lash margin, involving both staphylococcal and seborrheic blepharitis; and posterior blepharitis is defined as meibomian gland involvement posterior to the lash margin.
MGD primarily affects the oil glands located on the posterior lid and therefore is included as a subset of posterior blepharitis. Angular blepharitis tends to occur in the canthal region and may present independent of anterior and posterior etiologies.
What are symptoms and signs?
As blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, so the symptoms of allergic blepharitis are focused on the eye.
In addition, other signs may be present:
- Photosensitivity
- Irritability and headache
- Blurry vision if the internal surface of the eyelids (conjunctiva) is involved
It is unusual to have only the eye symptoms. Most of the time the allergy affects other body organs and causes:
- Runny or congested nose
- Cough or asthma
- Postnasal drip
- Eczema
Causes
As we previously discussed, there are multiple causes of blepharitis, while causes of allergic blepharitis are mainly small proteins in our environment that get into a close contact with the eyelid structures and cause allergic sensitization.
When making a diagnosis, other diseases and conditions need to be ruled out. As blepharitis is mainly a symptom, it can be a part of systemic disease or any type of dermatitis.
Complications
All complications arise when the process of the allergic inflammation is left untreated, and goes beyond the eyelid surface and affects other parts of the eye:
- keratoconjunctivitis
- keratoconus
- glaucoma
- cataracts
- retinal detachment
- ophthalmic herpes simplex virus infections
- eyelashes falling out
- blurry vision
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of the allergic blepharitis is mainly based on the symptoms. A good history with the right questions helps to establish the cause of the problem. For example:
- are the symptoms constant or appear at certain circumstances?
- Is it seasonal or year-round?
- Is there a pet in the house?
- Was there a new detergent or cream used before the symptoms started?
- Does anyone else in the house have similar symptoms?
- Did any of the measures you tried helped with symptoms?
- Is this a first time or it happened before?
After a clinical exam and discussion about environment and possible causes, an allergist will decide which tests are needed. Most common tests for the allergic blepharitis are:
- Common blood tests (total IgE, specific allergy panels can be used for screening, CBC, liver and kidney tests)
- Prick test for the allergens – environment allergens and food allergens are usually tested on different days due to cross-reactivity
- Patch test for contact sensitivity
- Avoidance test
Treatment
Correct identification of the culprit will lead to the best treatment. If the environmental allergy was determined by tests, it is best to eliminate (maximum possible) an allergen from the environment and then start immunotherapy (SLIT – sublingual drops or allergy shots). Meanwhile you or your child might need an immediate relief which is a symptomatic treatment:
- Cool compress of the eyes
- Oral antihistamine
- Antihistamine eye drops
- Skin emollients (olive oil, Vaseline)
We highly discourage self-diagnosis and self-treatment. Many eye conditions look the same, and incorrect treatment can lead to complications and worsening of a problem. Eyes are very sensitive, while the allergy to one protein started the cascade reaction can lead to sensitivity to any drops or creams used at that point.
Steroids, topical or oral, can be used as the last resort when all the rest of the measures failed. Steroids, while treat the symptoms very effectively and fast have multiple serious side effects, and are not the treatment of the problem. They provide immediate relief, but after you stop them the symptoms come right back with the vengeance. Systemic steroids is a harsh consideration as they affect the hormonal balance of the body and may affect the growth of your child.
Antiinfectious agents – antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals. These should be considered if there are signs of the secondary infection, such as Herpes zoster or Staph infection. They should not be a first line of therapy.
Is it possible to prevent?
Healthy lifestyle, nutrition and proper hygiene are the best preventive measures. It is important to keep your immune system and skin in natural balance – we have amazing self-restoring quality of all mucus and skin barriers. We recommend to use only natural care of the eyes with fresh water and organic soaps (when needed). Antibacterial soaps destroy oily layers and microbiome of the skin and lead to all sorts of problems. Natural emollients and moisturizers such as organic cooking oils are hypoallergenic and will help with dryness and flakiness of the skin. Plant juices such as cucumber juice and aloe vera juice are great cleansers when needed.
Allergic blepharitis blefarogel.ru
Extract from the guidelines “Eyelid hygiene in dry eye syndrome and blepharitis of various origins”, author E.G. Polunina
Allergic blepharitis is an acute erythematous-exudative eyelid skin disease. It occurs, most often, as a reaction to the local effect of various allergen medications and cosmetics in people with hypersensitivity to these substances. Depending on the degree of prior sensitization, the skin lesion develops more or less quickly. As a rule, there is a bilateral lesion, but in some cases a unilateral reaction develops. It is characterized by rapidly advancing hyperemia and swelling of the skin of the eyelids, leading to their narrowing (Fig. 9). In addition, an allergic reaction may occur due to chronic toxic-allergic exposure to microbial, parasitic and viral agents. These clinical situations are described in the sections demodectic and seborrheic blepharitis.
Complaints: marked itching, burning, swelling of the eyelids.
Biomicroscopy: edema, hyperemia of the skin of the eyelids, sometimes with a bluish tint, multiple skin folds. At the stage of edema resolution, as a rule, pronounced peeling of the skin is noted.
Treatment
After identification of the causative allergen, administration of allergen-specific desensitizing immunotherapy.
• Antihistamines are given topically and by mouth, depending on the severity of the allergic reaction. Locally: Opatanol, Lekrolin, Spersallerg and others are prescribed if there are signs of an allergic reaction. The course is 7-10 days. Orally: Suprastin or Zyrtec 10 mg (1 tablet or 20 drops) 1 time per day at any time. For children under 6 years of age, the dose is halved. Drops for children are diluted in any liquid.
• Steroids (hydrocortisone eye ointment, Prenacid, etc.) are used in cases of persistent blepharitis with severe signs of allergization. The course is 7-10 days, 1-2 times a day, the drug is applied to the skin of the eyelids, if necessary, laid behind the lower eyelid 1 time per day at night. In addition, combination therapy can be carried out using dexgentamicin ophthalmic ointment.
• Tear substitutes (Khilo-Komod, Vid-Komod, Oftalik without preservatives, Hilobak, Vizin pure tear without preservatives**, etc.) are prescribed after relief of signs of an acute allergic reaction while maintaining complaints of “discomfort” in the eyes. Course 1-2 months.
Eyelid hygiene is carried out after relief of signs of an acute allergic reaction to eliminate MGD caused by edema, restore turgor and moisturize the skin of the eyelids. Hygiene procedures include:
• warm compresses with Blepharoscloth / Blepharolotion;
• eyelid self-massage with Blefarogel 1*** according to the scheme.
*When taking anamnesis in patients with allergic blepharitis, it is very important to determine which factor caused this reaction. Thus, in recent years, patients have been widely using cosmetics with active ingredients, in particular, based on the placenta, or eyelash growth ointments. These funds with prolonged uncontrolled use cause sensitization and can lead to the development of severe allergic reactions.
**Tear replacement therapy for pathological conditions of the eyelids and ocular surface with elements of allergization is carried out with preparations that do not contain preservatives.
***Signs of an allergic reaction are an indication for the appointment of Blefarogel 1, which does not contain sulfur.
Blepharitis: types, causes, treatment
The article was checked by a doctor: Navoyan Galina Eduardovna
Causes of blepharitis
Blepharitis most often occurs due to the influence of a complex of factors. These include:
- Avitaminosis and immunodeficiency;
- Anemia, diathesis;
- Eyelash mite;
- Allergy;
- Hormonal disorders;
- Infectious diseases;
- Chemical fumes.
It is possible to accurately determine the cause of blepharitis only after consulting an ophthalmologist. Establishing the cause of the disease is the key to effective treatment.
Attempts at self-treatment with the so-called “folk methods” do not bring results, but only aggravate the symptoms.
Symptoms of blepharitis
- Itching and burning in the eyes;
- Redness of the eyes and eyelids;
- Lachrymation;
- Scale formation on eyelids;
- Eyelash breakage;
- Accumulation of mucus at the corners of the eyes;
- Rapid eye fatigue;
- Blurred vision;
- Increased body temperature.
Types of blepharitis:
Blepharitis is conditionally divided into several types: depending on the clinical manifestations and location.
By manifestations: ulcerative, seborrheic, demodectic, allergic.
By location: anterior marginal, posterior marginal, angular.
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Treatment of blepharitis
The treatment of blepharitis is a long process that requires patience from the patient and high qualification from the doctor.
Depending on the form of the disease, appropriate methods and methods of treatment are selected.
Ulcerative blepharitis
A set of measures is used: removal of crusts and “flakes” with preliminary softening. After cleansing the eyelids, an ointment containing antibiotics is applied. If necessary, eye drops are prescribed.
seborrheic
An important role in the treatment is played by the elimination of the “dry eye” syndrome.