WHAT IS BLEPHARITIS?

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Blepharitis (blef-uh-RYE-tis) is inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow and affects both eyelids.

There’s more than one reason why people get blepharitis. Some people have certain skin conditions, bacteria eats at the oil pours of your eyelids, tiny mites inside your eyelashes may eat the dead skin around your eye lashes, or tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes become clogged. These scenarios lead to eyelid inflammation, irritated or red eyes.

Blepharitis is often a chronic condition that is difficult to treat. Blepharitis can be uncomfortable and may be unsightly. But it usually doesn’t cause permanent damage to your eyesight, and it’s not contagious.

Blepharitis Symptoms

Blepharitis symptoms and signs include:

Watery eyes
Red eyes
A gritty, burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
Eyelids that appear greasy
Itchy eyelids
Red, swollen eyelids
Flaking of the skin around the eyes
Crusted eyelashes upon awakening
Eyelid sticking
More frequent blinking
Sensitivity to light
Eyelashes that grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes)
Loss of eyelashes

When to see an eye doctor

If you have blepharitis symptoms and signs that don’t seem to be improving despite good hygiene — regular cleaning and care of the affected area — make an appointment with your doctor.

Blepharitis Causes

The exact cause of blepharitis isn’t clear. It may be associated with one or more factors, including:

Seborrheic dermatitis — dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
A bacterial infection
Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelids
Rosacea — a skin condition characterized by facial redness
Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens solutions or eye makeup
Eyelash mites or lice

Complications

If you have blepharitis, you may also experience:

Eyelash problems. Blepharitis can cause your eyelashes to fall out or grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes).
Eyelid skin problems. Scarring may occur on your eyelids in response to long-term blepharitis. Or the eyelid edges may turn inward or outward.
Excess tearing or dry eyes. Abnormal oily secretions and other debris shed from the eyelids, such as flaking associated with dandruff, can accumulate in your tear film — the water, oil and mucus solution that forms tears. Abnormal tear film interferes with the healthy lubrication of your eyelids. This can irritate your eyes and cause symptoms of dry eyes or excess tearing.
Difficulty wearing contact lenses. Because blepharitis can affect the amount of lubrication in your eyes, wearing contact lenses may be uncomfortable.
Sty. A sty is an infection that develops near the base of the eyelashes. The result is a painful lump on the edge (usually on the outside part) of your eyelid. A sty is usually most visible on the surface of the eyelid.
Chalazion. A chalazion occurs when there’s a blockage in one of the small oil glands at the margin of the eyelid, just behind the eyelashes. The gland can become infected with bacteria, which causes a red, swollen eyelid. Unlike a sty, a chalazion tends to be most prominent on the inside of the eyelid.
Chronic pink eye. Blepharitis can lead to recurrent bouts of pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Injury to the cornea. Constant irritation from inflamed eyelids or misdirected eyelashes may cause a sore (ulcer) to develop on your cornea. Insufficient tearing could predispose you to a corneal infection.

Blepharitis Treatment

Treatment of blepharitis should start with contacting your Family Eye Physicians eye doctor to identify the cause of your eyelid issues. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes and eyelids to determine if you have blepharitis and what type of treatment is applicable.

Typically, blepharitis treatment includes:

Eyelid scrubs. Gently scrubbing your eyelids removes the buildup of biofilm and bacteria. Your eye doctor typically will recommend a daily regimen of warm compresses and eyelid scrubs.

Recognized as the market leader and #1 recommended by eye doctors, OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub® Eyelid Cleansers are intended for daily use and are available in pre-moistened pads or foam pump dispensers for easy application.

In-office procedures. Though eyelid scrubs at home are helpful, seeing your eye doctor for in-office eyelid hygiene or bleph cleaning procedures are often recommended at least once a year for more effective blephartis treatment.

Medicated eye drops and/or ointments. Your eye doctor may also prescribe topical medications to destroy excess bacteria or other microbes on the eyelids.

What Causes Sore Eyelashes?

Eyelashes that feel sore or tender at the root often mean the edge of the eyelid, where the lashes grow, is inflamed. Blepharitis is a common reason. The causes listed above all apply: clogged oil glands at the base of the lashes, bacteria, dandruff-type skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, allergic reactions to eye makeup or contact lens solution, and eyelash mites. A sty, which is an infection near the base of an eyelash, causes a painful lump in one spot, and eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction can also irritate the eye.

If the soreness comes with crusting, redness along the lid edge, or flaking skin, daily lid hygiene with warm compresses and eyelid scrubs is where treatment usually starts. If it does not improve, have an eye doctor look at it. Blepharitis and dry eye often go together.

Is Blepharitis Contagious?

No. Blepharitis is not contagious, and it usually does not cause permanent damage to your eyesight. It is often a chronic condition, though, so it tends to come back without regular eyelid cleaning.

For more blephartis tips about cleaning your eyelids or how to keep blepharitis from coming back, please contact your local Family Eye Physicians eye doctor or call (708) 636-9393 today!

Source: Mayo Clinic