BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
Inflammation of the eyelid edges. It can involve the eyelids;
eyelashes; meibomian glands (those which lubricate
the lid); conjunctiva (white of the eye).
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Redness and greasy scales on the eyelid edges.
- Eyelashes that fall out.
- Small ulcers on the eyelid. If the lid edges ulcerate,
crusts will form. If crusts are removed, lids will bleed.
- Irritation of the eye if flakes from the lid fall into the
eye.
- A feeling that something is in the eye. This includes
itching, burning, redness, swelling of the lid, sensitivity
to bright light and tearing.
- Discharge from the lids, which glues lashes together
during sleep.
- Sensitivity to light.
CAUSES
- Bacterial infection, usually staphylococcal, of the eyelash
follicles and the meibomian glands.
- Allergic reaction (less serious inflammation only).
- Body lice (rare).
RISK INCREASES WITH
- Adults over 60.
- Medical history of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp
and other body parts.
- Exposure to chemical or environmental irritants.
- Crowded or unsanitary living conditions.
- Poor nutrition.
- Immunosuppression due to illness or medication.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Acne rosacea.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- Wash hands often, and dry with clean towels.
- Avoid environments that contain dust or other irritating
substances.
- Use hypoallergenic eye makeup.
- Control seborrhea of the scalp with medicated shampoos.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Blepharitis can be stubbornly resistant to treatment, but
it is sometimes curable in 8 to 12 months. Recurrence is
common.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Loss of eyelashes.
- Ulceration of the cornea (covering of the eye).
- Scarred eyelids.
- Stye.
- Misdirected eyelash growth.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
- Use warm-water soaks to reduce inflammation and
hasten healing. Apply soaks for 20 minutes, then rest at
least 1 hour. Repeat as often as needed.
- Remove scales from the lids each day.
- Don't wear eye makeup until inflammation subsides.
- Discontinue soft contact lenses until condition
cleared.
MEDICATIONS
- Antibiotic ointment or eye drops, which may contain
cortisone drugs, may be prescribed.
- Oral medication may be prescribed in severe cases,
such as with acne rosacea.
| MEDICATIONS |
| Brand Name |
Active Ingredient |
|
| Prograf |
Tacrolimus |
Buy Prograf |
|
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET
No special diet.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF
- You or a family member has symptoms of blepharitis.
- You have pain in the eye.
- Your vision changes.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in
treatment may produce side effects.
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