Blepharitis

Blepharitis refers to an eye condition that affects the eyelids. It may produce clumping and stickiness around the eyelashes. The inflammation of the oil glands in your eyelids is the most common reason of dry eyes. It may result from:

• An excess increase of bacteria that’s usually found on your skin
• A blocked oil gland on your eyelid
• A hormonal imbalance
• Allergies

Blepharitis is generally a chronic condition which is tricky to treat. Blepharitis may be uncomfortable and may be difficult to get on with. However it generally doesn't cause permanent damage to your eyesight, and it's not contagious.

What are the Symptoms of Blepharitis

Blepharitis makes your eyelids red, itchy, and a bit swollen. The bases of your eyelashes may also seem scaly. You may also observe:

• A gritty, burning or stinging sensation in your eyes
• Eyelids which appear greasy
• Flaking of the skin around the eyes
• Crusted eyelashes upon awakening
• Eyelid sticking
• More frequent blinking
• Sensitivity to light
• Misdirected eyelashes
• Loss of eyelashes
• Red and swollen eyes or eyelids
• Blurry vision
• Dry eyes

What are the Causes of Blepharitis

The accurate cause of blepharitis isn't known. It may be linked with one or more factors, which includes

• Seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
• A bacterial infection
• Blocked or not working oil glands in your eyelids
• Rosacea, a skin condition described by facial redness
• Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medicines, contact lens solutions or eye makeup
• Eyelash mites or lice

Complications

• If you have blepharitis, you may also get:
• Eyelash problems like fall out or misdirected eyelashes.
• Eyelid skin problems
• Excess tearing or dry eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Sty
• Chalazion
• Chronic conjunctivitis
• Injury to the cornea

Diagnosis

• Examining your eyelids :The doctor will carefully inspect your eyelids and your eyes with the use of a special magnifying instrument in the examination.
• Swabbing skin for testing: In some cases, your doctor might use a swab to get a sample of the oil or crust that forms on your eyelid. This sample may be analyzed for bacteria, fungi or confirmation of an allergy.

Treatment of Blepharitis

Self-care measures, like washing your eyes and using warm compresses, might be the only treatment required for most cases of blepharitis. If that is not enough, your doctor may suggest prescription treatments, which may include:

• Medicines that fight infection: Applying Antibiotics to the eyelid can relief the symptoms and cure bacterial infection of the eyelids. They can be in the form of eye drops, creams or ointments. An oral antibiotic is required If you don't respond to topical antibiotics.
• Medicines to control inflammation: Steroid eyedrops or ointments can help control inflammation.
• Medicines that affect the immune system: Topical cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor which may relief of some signs and symptoms of blepharitis.
• Treatments for underlying conditions: Blepharitis due to seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea or other diseases can be controlled by treating the underlying disease.

Blepharitis hardly ever disappears completely. Even after successful treatment, the condition often is chronic and needs daily attention with eyelid scrubs.