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Blepharitis
Eyelid inflammation; Meibomian gland dysfunction
Blepharitis is inflamed, irritated, itchy, and reddened eyelids. It most often occurs where the eyelashes grow. Dandruff-like debris builds up at the base of the eyelashes as well.
Causes
The exact cause of blepharitis is unknown. It is thought to be due to:
- An overgrowth of bacteria.
- A decrease or breakdown of the normal oils produced by the eyelid.
Blepharitis is more likely to be seen in people with:
-
A skin condition called
seborrheic
. This problem involves the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, skin behind the ears, and the creases of the nose
Seborrheic
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp, ...
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Allergies
that affect the eyelashes (less common)
Allergies
An allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Excess growth of the bacteria that are normally found on the skin
-
Rosacea
, which is a skin condition that causes a red rash on the face
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin problem that makes your face turn red. It may also cause swelling and skin sores that look like acne.
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Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Red, irritated eyelids
-
Scales
that stick to the base of the eyelashes
Scales
Scales are a visible peeling or flaking of outer skin layers. These layers are called the stratum corneum.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Burning feeling in the eyelids
-
Crusting,
itching
and swelling of the eyelids
Itching
Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...
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You may feel like you have sand or dust in your eye when you blink. Sometimes, the eyelashes may fall out. The eyelids may become scarred if the condition continues long-term.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider can most often make the diagnosis by looking at the eyelids during an eye exam. Special photos of the glands that produce oil for the eyelids can be taken to see if they are healthy or not.
Treatment
Cleaning the edges of the eyelid every day will help remove excess bacteria and oil. Your provider might recommend using baby shampoo or special cleansers. Using an antibiotic ointment in the eyelid or taking antibiotic pills may help treat the problem. It may also help to take fish oil supplements.
If you have blepharitis:
- Apply warm compresses to your eyes for 5 minutes, at least 2 times per day.
- After the warm compresses, gently rub a solution of warm water and no-tears baby shampoo along your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid, using a cotton swab.
A device has recently been developed that can “massage” the eyelids to increase the flow of oil from the glands. The role of this device remains unclear.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome is most often good with treatment. You may need to keep the eyelid clean to prevent the problem from coming back. Continuing treatment will ease redness and help make your eyes more comfortable.
Styes and chalazia are more common in people with blepharitis.
Styes
Most bumps on the eyelid are styes. A stye is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid. It appears as a red, ...
Chalazia
A chalazion is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call with your provider if symptoms get worse or DO NOT improve after several days of carefully cleaning your eyelids.
Prevention
Cleaning the eyelids carefully will help reduce the chances of getting blepharitis. Treat skin conditions that may add to the problem.
References
Blackie CA, Coleman CA, Holland EJ. The sustained effect (12 months) of a single-dose vectored thermal pulsation procedure for meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye. Clin Ophthalmol . 2016;10:1385-1396. PMID: 27555745 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27555745 .
Epitropoulos AT. Lid hygiene product helps reduce blepharitis, MGD symptoms. Ophthalmology Times. November 15, 2015. ophthalmologytimes.modernmedicine.com/ophthalmologytimes/news/lid-hygiene-product-helps-reduce-blepharitis-mgd-symptoms . Accessed September 8, 2016.
Gadaria-Rathod N, Fernandez KB, Asbell PA. Blepharitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 4.4.
Hussein N, Schwab IR. Blepharitis and Inflammation of the eyelids. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology . 2013 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2013:vol 4, chap 22.
Yanoff M, Cameron JD. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 423.
-
Eye - illustration
The eye is the organ of sight, a nearly spherical hollow globe filled with fluids (humors). The outer layer or tunic (sclera, or white, and cornea) is fibrous and protective. The middle tunic layer (choroid, ciliary body and the iris) is vascular. The innermost layer (the retina) is nervous or sensory. The fluids in the eye are divided by the lens into the vitreous humor (behind the lens) and the aqueous humor (in front of the lens). The lens itself is flexible and suspended by ligaments which allow it to change shape to focus light on the retina, which is composed of sensory neurons.
Eye
illustration
-
Blepharitis - illustration
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the lash follicles at the eyelid margins due to excess growth in lash follicles of bacteria normally present on the skin.
Blepharitis
illustration
-
Eye - illustration
The eye is the organ of sight, a nearly spherical hollow globe filled with fluids (humors). The outer layer or tunic (sclera, or white, and cornea) is fibrous and protective. The middle tunic layer (choroid, ciliary body and the iris) is vascular. The innermost layer (the retina) is nervous or sensory. The fluids in the eye are divided by the lens into the vitreous humor (behind the lens) and the aqueous humor (in front of the lens). The lens itself is flexible and suspended by ligaments which allow it to change shape to focus light on the retina, which is composed of sensory neurons.
Eye
illustration
-
Blepharitis - illustration
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the lash follicles at the eyelid margins due to excess growth in lash follicles of bacteria normally present on the skin.
Blepharitis
illustration
Review Date: 8/20/2016
Reviewed By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
