What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Anterior Blepharitis 
• Posterior Blepharitis 

What is Blepharitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Blepharitis is a condition that results in the inflammation of the eyelids and areas around the eyelashes. It is caused by bacteria and oily skin, in and around the eyelids, or due to other skin conditions. Blepharitis can affect individuals of any age
• Individuals lacking basic self-hygiene and care are more likely to develop Blepharitis. Some of the risk factors for developing this eye condition also include certain allergies and rosacea (a type of skin condition)
• Blepharitis is commonly a result of clogging of pores around the eyelashes, resulting in increased risk for bacterial infection. Thus, any condition that causes dryness or irritation near the eyes may be a cause for bacterial infection leading to Blepharitis development
• The signs and symptoms of Blepharitis may include dry itchy eyes, burning sensation around the eyes, sores along the eyelashes, and blurred vision, in some cases. Blepharitis often results in periods of inflammation followed by periods of remission
• Blepharitis is diagnosed through an eye examination performed by an optometrist. In some cases, the healthcare provider may swab the affected area to collect bacteria samples, in order to confirm the diagnosis
• Currently, Blepharitis remains an incurable eye condition. However, there are multiple treatment options to help control the symptoms, which may include prescription eye scrubs, topical creams, and oral antibiotics. Additionally, warm compresses and baby shampoos may be recommended to relieve the irritation
• With adequate treatment and maintenance of cleanliness and personnel hygiene, the prognosis of Blepharitis is good

Blepharitis exist in 2 different forms:

• Anterior Blepharitis: It is a type of Blepharitis that only causes inflammation in the outer portion of the eyelid, adjacent to the eyelashes. This form is commonly caused by dry itchy skin
• Posterior Blepharitis: In this type, the inner portion of the eyelid, or the portion of the eyelid that touches the eye is affected. This form of Blepharitis is often caused by complications of oil glands in the eye

There are 4 different types of Blepharitis that include:

• Staphylococcal Blepharitis
• Seborrheic Blepharitis
• Ulcerative Blepharitis
• Meibomian Blepharitis

Who gets Blepharitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Blepharitis is non-specific to age and gender, meaning that individuals of any age and both males and females are prone to it
• It is most prevalent in individuals with oily skin complexion, dry eyes, and is associated with dandruff
• Individuals of any racial group, ethnicity, and geographical location may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Blepharitis? (Predisposing Factors)

There are a few specific factors that lead to an increased disposition for developing Blepharitis. Individuals with the following conditions may have a slightly higher chance of developing Blepharitis:

• Rosacea
• Certain allergies 
• Seborrheic dermatitis (chronic dry scalp with the presence of dandruff)
• Additionally, individuals with poor hygiene have increased likelihood of developing Blepharitis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Blepharitis? (Etiology)

The cause of Blepharitis may have a correlation with various conditions that may increase one’s predisposition for the same. These conditions include:

• Rosacea: A skin condition resulting in flushed skin complexion on the face
• Chronic bacterial infections
• Allergenic reactions resulting in watery or dry eyes
• Complications of oil glands in the eyes 
• Dandruff

Anterior Blepharitis is caused by the presence of bacteria from dandruff on the scalp/eyebrow called staphylococcal Blepharitis, or dandruff of the eyebrow.

• The buildup of these bacteria can cause infection 
• The presence of bacteria in hair follicles results in abnormal inflammation called Blepharitis

Posterior Blepharitis occurs when glands in the eyelid irregularly release oils essential to optical health.

• These oils, although optimal to good eye health, create an environment for the growth of bacteria, resulting in Meibomian Blepharitis
• These glands can become clogged preventing oil from being secreted

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Blepharitis?

The signs and symptoms of Blepharitis often occur over time and individuals often experience multiple varying symptoms that include:

• Itchy, dry eyes; irritation of the eyes, burning sensation
• Swelling of the eyes or area around the eyes
• Photophobia or sensitivity to light 
• Redness of the eye; excessive tearing
• In severe cases, individuals may experience blurred vision 

There are multiple types of Blepharitis and their symptoms are described:

• Staphylococcal Blepharitis: Mild to excessive shedding of eyelashes; presence of thickened, irritated eyelids
• Seborrheic Blepharitis: The presence of dandruff flakes, in and around the individual’s eyes and eyelashes; irritated eyes and eyelids
• Ulcerative Blepharitis: Excessive irritation leading to scab formation, covering the irritated sores; also, the sores secrete fluids. In severe cases, the individuals may lose all eyelashes and have blurred vision, due to damage from eye infections
• Meibomian Blepharitis: Oil glands delivering secretions to the eyes are compromised and the glands are blocked. This creates an optimal environment for bacterial infection

How is Blepharitis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Blepharitis is based upon the results of a comprehensive eye examination, which is undertaken by an optometrist. The diagnosis may involve the following:

• Eye examination
  • Examination of the oil glands secreting oils into the eye
  • Examination of the eyelid, the eye lashes, and the surrounding skin
  • Examination and testing of the tears from the affected eyes 
• In some cases, the physicians may decide to swab the affected eye area to collect a fluid sample, to establish the diagnosis

The results of the comprehensive eye examination may yield specific results that help determine whether the patient has Blepharitis or not, and the specific type he/she may have.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the Complications of Blepharitis?

The complications of Blepharitis may include:

• Chronic loss of eyelashes: Eyelashes may fall-off or even grow abnormally (in a random direction)
• Long-term conditions may cause scarring of the eyelid
• The eyelids may turn outwards, especially at the edges
• Dry eye syndrome, or excessively teary eyes
• Conjunctival inflammation resulting in conjunctivitis (chronic pink eye)
• Formation of Meibomian cysts, styes on the eyelids, and chalazion (bacterial infections developing from blocked oil glands on the inner part of the eyelid)
• Corneal ulceration and damage; in severe cases, vision may be affected
• Due to dry eyes, it may be uncomfortable to wear contact lenses for a certain period

The complications vary from one individual to another and can vary in severity.

How is Blepharitis Treated?

There are a wide variety of treatment options that physicians may prescribe to treat Blepharitis. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the treatment options may include: 

• Warm compresses are used to loosen the scabs forming over the sores around the eye and eyelids
• Eyelid rinse is used to scrub the sores around the eyelids, to clean bacterial sores
• Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the bacterial infection. These may be prescribed as oral medications or topical applications on the sores
• Eye drops are sometimes recommended to relieve eye irritation and lubricate the area 
• In some cases, steroid or antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to treat the symptoms

When formulating a treatment plan, it is important to realize that a combination of medications may be prescribed to treat different features of Blepharitis.

• Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the infections that cause the symptoms
• Warm compresses and eye drops may be suggested to relieve the various symptoms
• Other medications may be prescribed to strengthen the immune system that is responsible for fighting infections

Additionally, there may be other conditions that make some individuals more predisposed to developing Blepharitis. The treatment would also involve treating such conditions including rosacea and allergies.

Note:

It is important to note that the symptoms may subside with treatment; but, certain measures must be put in place to adequately prevent symptoms from returning. The best prevention method recommended is ensuring proper hygiene. Most healthcare providers recommend scrubbing the affected areas with baby shampoo after treatment, to prevent the condition from returning.

How can Blepharitis be Prevented?

Preventive methods for Blepharitis include self-care, cleanliness, and maintaining proper hygiene of the affected region (eyes, face, and head). This involves:

• Hydrating the skin around the eyes
• Hydrating the scalp and skin beneath the eyebrows 
• Washing the face frequently
• Monitoring the area around the eyes for any signs or symptoms

Washing the face and hair so skin remains healthy and free of irritation or sores is considered important. A healthy skin is less likely to be infected by bacteria. Additionally, treating conditions that may predispose one to developing Blepharitis will help prevent the condition.

What is the Prognosis of Blepharitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Blepharitis is not a curable condition; however, the prognosis is good if treatment is received in a timely manner. It is rare to see Blepharitis disappear completely, so monitoring the condition and treating the symptoms accordingly can help achieve an optimal outcome for patients
• Often, patients should work closely with their healthcare providers, to develop an efficient treatment plan that usually requires a combination of cleansing with specific scrubs, warm compresses, and the administration of antibiotics and eye drops
• Furthermore, this condition is chronic and frequently has periods of flaring and remission. Controlling the condition and symptoms with adequate attention and care is likely the best treatment plan. Also, the affected individuals usually adopt a routine cleaning/treatment plan

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Blepharitis:

Please visit our Infectious Diseases Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/infection-center/