Blepharitis is a chronic eye condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids. Although its exact prevalence is difficult to assess, it is seen commonly by both primary care clinicians and ophthalmologists.The most frequent patient complaint is of ongoing eye irritation, often accompanied by eye redness. The chronicity of blepharitis is punctuated by intermittent exacerbations.

Alternative Names of Blepharitis are: Eyelid inflammation; Granulated Eyelids

Complications of Blepharitis

Serious complications of blepharitis are rare. The most common problem people face is they are unable to wear contact lenses. It may be necessary for you to use an alternative aid, such as glasses, until your symptoms are under control.

• Dry eye syndrome
  Dry eye syndrome is a common complication of blepharitis. Dry eye syndrome (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a condition where your eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to the eyes drying out and becoming inflamed.
• Conjunctivitis
  Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eyes. It occurs when bacteria in the eyelid then infect the eyes. The condition is not normally serious and should not affect your vision.
• Meibomian Cyst
  A Meibomian cyst is swelling that occurs in the eyelids. They can happen when one of your Meibomian tear glands gets inflamed as a result of blepharitis.
• Styes
  A stye is a painful swelling that develops on the outside of the eyelid. They are caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle (located at the base of your eyelash).

Mild cases can be treated by applying a hot compress to the area. More serious cases can be treated with antibiotic creams and tablets.

Causes of Blepharitis

Blepharitis is often a chronic condition that can affect the outer portion of your eyelid where the eyelashes attach (anterior blepharitis) or the inner portion of your eyelid that comes into contact with your eye (posterior blepharitis).

Conditions associated with blepharitis include:

• Seborrheic dermatitis - dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
• A bacterial infection
• Malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelid
• Rosacea - a skin condition characterized by facial redness

Blepharitis may be caused by a combination of factors. Less commonly, blepharitis may result from allergies or even an infestation of lice on the eyelashes.

Signs & Symptoms of Blepharitis

Signs and symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Watery or red eyes
• A gritty, burning sensation in the eye
• Itchy eyelids
• Red, swollen eyelids
• Flaking of the skin around the eyes
• Crusted eyelashes upon awakening
• Sensitivity to light
• Frothy tears
• Eyelashes that grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes)
• Loss of eyelashes

The eyelids may appear greasy and crusted with scales that cling to the lashes. This debris can cause the eyelids to stick together at night. You may have to pry your eyes open in the morning because of these sticky secretions. Sometimes you may notice only the presence of dried tear secretions in the morning that feel like small grains of sand.

Diagnosis of Blepharitis

Most cases of blepharitis can be diagnosed by the doctor asking you about your symptoms, making an examination of your eyes and checking for any associated medical condition such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or rosacea.If your symptoms are particularly severe, or you have experienced any loss of vision, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist (an expert in the treatment of eye conditions).They will run further tests to make sure that your symptoms are not being caused by another condition, such as a more serious type of eye infection.

Treatments of Blepharitis

Blepharitis can be difficult to treat. Good hygiene - regular cleaning of the area - can control signs and symptoms and prevent complications. But if your condition doesn't improve, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream or ointment. In severe cases, eyedrops containing antibiotics and steroids may be prescribed. If your blepharitis is linked to an underlying cause such as dandruff or rosacea, treating those conditions may alleviate the blepharitis. Blepharitis rarely disappears completely. Even with successful treatment, relapses are common. Paying extra attention to good hygiene at those times may help bring the condition back under control.

Prevention of Blepharitis

There are many everyday steps that you can take to prevent blepharitis. This includes:

• Keeping your hands and face clean.
• Avoiding rubbing your eyes with dirty fingers, a soiled handkerchief, etc.
• Removing all eye makeup before bedtime.

If you are in the early stages of treating blepharitis, avoid the use of eye makeup to prevent further irritation. Once you begin using makeup again, replace your products used in or near the eyelids because they may be contaminated.

When to seek Medical Advice

If your signs and symptoms don't seem to be improving despite good hygiene - regular cleaning and care of the area - make an appointment to see your doctor.