Blepharitis Causes, Treatments and Symptoms

What is Blepharitis?

If you’ve been suffering from red, irritating, inflamed or itchy eyelids, it may be blepharitis. It’s a fairly common skin irritation and is easily treatable with proper diagnosis and the correct medication. The causes of blepharitis depend on whether you have anterior or posterior blepharitis. Other influences, such as dust and pollen allergies, dandruff and whether you’re a diabetic can be responsible for an onset.

Blepharitis Diagnosis

Anterior Blepharitis

This form affects the outside edge of the eyelids, most commonly just at the eyelashes. It is usually caused by excess bacteria or dirt trapped in the eyelids, or dandruff from the scalp irritating them. The bacteria family is Staphylococcus, which mainly forms on dry foods and surfaces.

Posterior Blepharitis

This form affects the inside of the eyelids, most commonly caused by excess or malfunctioning of the oil secretion in the eyes (more specifically the meibomian glands). A catalyst is also Rosacea. Whereas Anterior Blepharitis can be caused dandruff from the scalp, acne rosacea is a facial skin disorder where flakes can fall off and irritate the eyelids.

Blepharitis Symptoms

• Feeling like something is stuck on/in your eyelid.
• A burning sensation in the eyes.
• Overly sensitive, watery eyes.
• Intense itching.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Swelling/Redness.
• Occasional blurriness.
• Eyelids crusting over.
• Eyelashes excessively falling out.

Treatment for Blepharitis

While there are varying degrees of severity as well as the influences in the treatment of blepharitis, such as the level of dandruff you have and heredity weaknesses in fighting infection. Some methods for treatment regardless include:

• Personal hygiene, a lack of it and touching your eyes can easily transfer dirt and bacteria.
• Prescribed anti-biotics from a doctor, such as steroid laced eyedrops.
• Although not treatment, painkillers can be used for relief.
• Consistent and regular eyelid washing.
• If suffering from Posterior Blepharitis, treatment of acne rosacea can aid in fixing blepharitis.

Often, the symptoms of blepharitis to not disappear completely. Routine hygiene and medicine may be necessary to stay free of it throughout the rest of your life.

Blepharitis Pictures