BLEPHARITIS

It is the inflammation of eyelids which involves part of the eyelid where eyelashes grow. It occurs when the oil glands located near the eyelashes get blocked or clogged.

It is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat. It can be uncomfortable but doesn’t cause any damage to the eyesight and it’s not contagious.

Symptoms:

Watery eyes & Red eyes
stinging or burning sensation in eyes
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
Loss of eyelashes

Causes:

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
Eyelash mites or lice

Complications:

Eyelash problems
Scarring of eyelids
Dry eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Stye and chalazion

Diagnosis:

It includes

Examination of eyelids
Swabbing skin for testing: the doctor may swab the crust or sample of oil produced from the glands for culture and sensitivity to analyze for any evidence of bacterial or fungal growth.

Treatment:

Self-care such as washing eyes and warm compresses may be the only treatment necessary for most of the cases.

Others include

Medication to fight infection: antibiotic creams, ointments, and eye drops are prescribed in most of the cases to fight the infection. If topical antibiotics are not working then oral antibiotics are prescribed.
Medications to control inflammation: steroid eye drops and ointments may control inflammation.
Treatment of underlying cause: Blepharitis caused by seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea or other diseases may be controlled by treating the underlying disease.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies: