Blepharitis: Overview
Blepharitis is an eyelid inflammation that causes red, inflamed, itchy eyelids as well as the production of dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes. Affecting people of various ages, it is a common eye condition with several causes. Despite being painful, bothersome, or even unsightly, Blepharitis is not contagious and does not cause chronic vision loss. The skin issue is tough to control and recurs often. Granulated eyelids are another term for Blepharitis. Usually, Blepharitis affects patients in both eyes.
Types of Blepharitis
There are two types of Blepharitis:
- Anterior Blepharitis
Anterior blepharitis affects the outside front edge of the eyelids where the eyelashes are anchored.
This type often involves the base of the eyelashes and is commonly associated with bacterial overgrowth or seborrheic dermatitis.
- Posterior Blepharitis
Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid, particularly involving the meibomian glands responsible for producing oil.
Dysfunction of these glands leads to poor oil secretion, resulting in the accumulation of debris and inflammation along the eyelid margin.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
The signs and symptoms of Blepharitis are often worse in the morning. They are as follows:
- Watery eyes
- Flaking of the skin around the eyes
- Red eyes
- Eyelids that appear greasy
- A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Itchy eyelids
- Crusted eyelashes
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Blurred vision that usually improves with blinking
- More frequent blinking
- Sensitivity to light
- Eyelid sticking
When to see a doctor?
One should see a doctor if
- Increased pain and swelling
- Worsening of vision
- The eyelids become hot to the touch.
- There is blistering and rash on the eyelids
- If the condition doesn't really improve, even after a week of self-care
- The lesions (lump or growth) on the eyelids are not responding to warm compress.
Causes of Blepharitis
The exact cause of Blepharitis is unknown. It appears to be caused by an abnormality in the oil-producing glands of the eyelids. These oil-producing glands are known as meibomian glands, hence, this condition is also known as meibomitis. Harmful bacteria in and around these glands may play a role in this condition. Blepharitis appears to be more frequent in those with oily skin, dandruff, and dry eyes and is extremely common in rosacea patients.
Risk factors of Blepharitis
A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease or condition. Blepharitis risk factors include
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Acne rosacea
- Contact allergies
- Diabetes
- Chemical irritants
- Poor hygiene
- Cosmetic makeup
Complications of Blepharitis
Blepharitis inflammation can result in complications such as:
- Eyelid skin problems: As a result of long-term Blepharitis, one may observe scarring on the eyelids. Additionally, the edges of your blepharitis eyelid inflammation may turn inwards or outwards.
- Eyelash problems: Blepharitis can cause the eyelashes to fall off, grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes), or even lose their colour.
- Excess tearing or dry eyes Abnormal oil secretions and other debris shed from the crusty eyelids such as flaking associated with eyelids dandruff, can build up in water, oil, and mucus solutions, forming tears.
- Abnormal tears Block eyelashes from becoming moist; this condition may irritate the eyes and induce dryness or excessive tears.
- Stye is an eyelid infection treatment that forms around the base of the eyelashes. As a result, one can have a stinging bump on the border of the eyelid
- Chalazion: A chalazion occurs when one of the tiny oil glands at the edge of the eyelid, right beneath the eyelashes, gets clogged. This blockage promotes inflammation of the gland, causing the eyelids to enlarge and redden. This may go away or turn into a firm, non-tender lump.
- Chronic pink eye: Blepharitis can cause recurring symptoms of pink eye, commonly known as conjunctivitis.
- Injury to the cornea: Persistent discomfort from inflamed eyelids or misdirected eyelashes may cause sore corneas. A corneal infection might be exacerbated by a lack of tears.
Prevention of Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelids can be painful, unpleasant, and unattractive. Although this condition is often not preventable, there are steps people can take to reduce the risk of inflammation.
- Make sure to wash your face on a regular basis. This involves taking off both eye and face makeup before sleeping.
- Don't rub irritated eyelids or contact the eyes with dirty hands.
- Rubbing of the eyes may spread the infection. Check eyelids if you notice any discomfort, redness, or swelling.
- Controlling dandruff also helps reduce irritation. One should consult the doctor if they have severe dandruff and might need to use a prescription shampoo.
Diagnosis of Blepharitis
A thorough eye examination can detect Blepharitis. Tests might include a complete focus on the eyelids and the front surface of the eyeball.
- Patient history is taken to determine the further treatment course as well as to seek any signs of general health problems that have resulted in this eye condition.
- Using bright light and magnification, your doctor will examine the lid margins, the base of the eyelashes, and the meibomian gland apertures.
- External inspection of the eye, including lid structure, skin texture, and the appearance of the eyelashes.
- Examination of the quantity and quality of tears for any anomalies.
Treatment of Blepharitis
Blepharitis treatment should begin with a visit to the eye specialist to determine the cause of the eyelid irritation. The doctor will check the eyes and eyelids to determine if the patient has Blepharitis and which type of blepharitis treatment is best for them. Blepharitis therapy often consists of::
Eyelid scrubs:
Scrubbing the eyelids gently eliminates the accumulation of biofilm and extra germs from the lid edges. The doctor often recommends a regular regimen of warm compresses and lid scrubbing to clean the eyelids and reduce the number of bacteria and Demodex mites. Prescription eyelid cleansers, non-prescription eyelid cleansing pads, or diluted baby shampoos can all be used as cleaning agents.
In-office procedures:
While home eyelid scrubbing is often beneficial, in-office eyelid hygiene procedures are frequently advised for more successful blepharitis therapy. A few possible procedures are:
- Electromechanical lid margin debridement This helps remove germs, biofilm, and Demodex mites from the eyelids while also opening congested meibomian glands.
- Thermal pulsation therapy This uses a device that melts and expresses obstructive material in the meibomian glands.
- IPL treatment helps unblock congested eyelid glands and restores the natural flow of oils into the tear film.
How to cure blepharitis fast
Effective treatment for blepharitis involves daily eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, and gentle cleaning with diluted baby shampoo. Consultation with an eye care professional is crucial for personalized care.
Medicated eye drops and ointments:
The eye doctor may also prescribe topical medications to kill extra blepharitis-causing bacteria or other microorganisms on the eyelids. This is especially done if the patient has pink eye or another type of eye infection in addition to Blepharitis.
Lifestyle Changes and Selfcare
Self-care measures might be the only treatment needed for most cases of Blepharitis.
- Application of warm, wet compresses on a regular basis
- Using baby shampoo and a damp cotton ball to clean the eyelids
- Maintaining proper facial and scalp hygiene, including the use of antidandruff shampoo if necessary
- Make sure to remove all makeup every day
- Avoiding any irritants that might lead to Blepharitis
- Maintaining control over any underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes and acne rosacea)
Do's and Don'ts
Although Blepharitis cannot be completely cured, certain home treatment options can help soothe inflamed eyelids, ease symptoms, and perhaps lessen the frequency of flare-ups. The best blepharitis treatment does not depend on expensive pills or technology but rather on good old-fashioned cleansing. Following these dos and don'ts will help manage this condition.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Use a wet and warm cloth to wipe your eyes | Use soap and shampoo until the condition subsides |
| Take medicines regularly | Smoke cigarettes |
| Drink lots of water | Use waterproof eye makeup |
| Take prescription eye drops | Eat unhealthy foods |
| Avoid powder and glitter-based eye shadows | Take too many preservative-free eye drops |
Taking care of yourself and building a healthy immune system can help you fight this condition.
Blepharitis Care at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most experienced team of doctors and medical experts delivering exceptional healthcare services to patients. Our diagnostic department, with its cutting-edge technology and equipment, performs the necessary tests for the diagnosis of Blepharitis, which further helps our experts create a unique treatment plan, especially for you. We have an experienced team of ophthalmologists who use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat this condition with extreme precision, resulting in successful outcomes.
