Diseases and Conditions That Can Cause Blepharitis Include

Blepharitis

Blepharitis (pronounced /blɛfərˈaɪtɪs/) is a common eye disorder caused by either a bacterial infection or skin condition such as dandruff or acne rosacea which causes an inflammation of the eyelids resulting in red, irritated, itchy eyelids and the formation of dandruff-like scales on eyelashes. This disorder is not contagious and generally does not cause any permanent damage to eyesight.

Diseases and conditions that can cause blepharitis include:

Seborrheic dermatitis — dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows

A bacterial infection

Malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelid

Rosacea — a skin condition redness characterized by facial

Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens solutions or eye makeup

Eyelash mites

Complications:

•Styes - A stye is caused by bacteria from the skin that get into the oil glands in the eyelids that provide lubrication to the tear film.

•Chalazia - this is when an inflamed oil gland becomes fully blocked.

•Injury to the eye tissue (corneal ulcer) from irritation (infectious blepharitis) often results in infectious yellowish or greenish discharge.

•Inflammation of the surface of the eye (conjunctivitis)

•Loss of eyelashes

•Scarring of the eyelids

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the specific type of blepharitis. The key to treating most types of blepharitis is keeping the lids clean and free of crusts.

·  Limiting or stopping the use of eye makeup

·  Warm compresses can be applied to loosen the crusts, followed by gentle scrubbing of the eyes with a mixture of water and baby shampoo or an over-the-counter lid cleansing product. In cases involving bacterial infection, an antibiotic may also be prescribed.

·  If the glands in the eyelids are blocked, the eyelids may need to be massaged to clean out oil accumulated in the eyelid glands.

·  Artificial tear solutions or lubricating ointments may be prescribed in some cases.

·  Use of an anti-dandruff shampoo on the scalp can help.

·  If you wear contact lenses, you may have to temporarily discontinue wearing them during treatment.

Some cases of blepharitis may require more complex treatment plans. Blepharitis seldom disappears completely. Even with successful treatment, relapses may occur.

An important part of controlling blepharitis involves treatment and proper hygiene at home.

References:

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (1998-2011). Blepharitis. Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blepharitis/DS00633

eMedicineHealth. (2011), Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis). Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/eyelid_inflammation_blepharitis/article_em.htm

WebMD. (2009) Eye Health and Blepharitis. Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/blepharitis

PubMed Health. (2011). Blepharitis Eyelid inflammation. Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002586/

American Optometric Association. (2006-11), Blepharitis. Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://www.aoa.org/x4718.xml

Developed by Stephen Atwood