Blepharitis can affect both the outer portion of your eyelid where the eyelashes attach (anterior blepharitis) or the inner portion of your eyelid that comes into contact with your eye (posterior blepharitis).
Symptoms
Symptoms of blepharitis include the following:- Red, watery eyes
- Itchy eyelids
- Burning eyes
- Flaking skin around the eyes
- Crusted eyelashes
- Light sensitivity
- Abnormal growth of eyelashes
- Loss of eyelashes
Types
There are two types of blepharitis, seborrheic and ulcerative.- Seborrheic blepharitis: Seborrheic blepharitis is associated with dandruff. This type typically causes the eyelids to become red and produces waxy scales to build up on the eyelashes, causing the eyes to itch. The scales initially develop due to an abnormal amount and type of tear film being produced by the glands of the eyelids.
- Ulcerative blepharitis: Ulcerative blepharitis is less common than seborrheic blepharitis, and usually begins in childhood. It is caused by bacteria. Ulcerative blepharitis is a more severe form that causes hard crusts to form around the eyelashes. These crusts often become matted during sleep, making it difficult to open the eyes in the morning.
Causes
Most cases of blepharitis are caused by poor eyelid hygiene. Other causes include oily eyelid glands, allergic reactions, bacterial infections, or lice on the eyelashes.Diagnosis
A slit lamp is usually used during an examination to diagnose blepharitis. The slit lamp allows the doctor to carefully examine the eyelashes and eyelids.Treatment
Blepharitis is a chronic condition. There is no cure for this condition, but it can be treated. Probably the best way to treat blepharitis is with good eyelid hygiene, including regularly cleaning the lids and lashes. In addition to hygiene, some doctors may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help control the condition.An easy, inexpensive treatment for blepharitis is a daily eyelid scrub. This is a great way to keep the eyelashes clean, preventing active cases of blepharitis. If you do have an active episode, use this treatment two or three times each day to help alleviate symptoms.
Eyelid scrub
- Wash your hands.
- Soak a clean washcloth in warm water.
- Close one eye and gently rub the eyelash base with the warm washcloth, being careful to rub the entire area. Do this for one minute.
- Carefully rinse the entire eyelid with clean, cool water.
- Repeat with the other eye.
What you should know
If you experience symptoms of blepharitis, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Sometimes the symptoms of blepharitis are very similar to those of dry eye syndrome, another bothersome eye condition. An eye doctor will diagnose your condition and give you ways to help manage it.Source: American Optometric Association, Blepharitis. 10 Jul 2007.
