Blefaritis: symptoms, causes and treatment

What is blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that usually occurs around the area where the eyelashes grow. This condition can occur on one eyelid or both at the same time.

Blefaritis usually occurs when the tiny oil glands that are located near the base of the lashes become blocked. The blockage of these oil glands then causes irritation and redness of the eyelids.

Blefaritis is often a chronic condition that is difficult to treat. This condition also makes sufferers uncomfortable and interfere with physical appearance. However, blepharistik generally does not cause permanent damage to vision. Even if it causes redness and irritation, blepharitis is not contagious.

How common is this condition?

Inflammation of the eyelids is a very common condition and can affect patients of any age. Blefaritis can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Symptoms of blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelids will usually interfere with appearance, can also irritate the eyes and may affect vision. Symptoms of blepharitis are:

• Itchy eyelids
• Swollen eyelids
• Red or inflamed eyelids
• Burning sensation in the eyes
• Oily eyelids
• The feeling like something is stuck in the eye
• Red eye
• Watery eyes
• Crusts on the lashes or on the corners of the eyes
• Sensitivity to light

Blepharitis is a condition that commonly affects both eyes. Normally, one eye will appear more inflamed. Symptoms are usually more severe in the morning.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms above or any other questions, see your eye doctor immediately. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Causes of blepharitis

The cause of inflammation of the eyelids is uncertain. Some of the risk factors that can cause blepharitis include:

• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) on the scalp and eyebrows
• Bacterial infection
• Blockage or malfunction of the oil glands in the eyelids
• Rosacea
• Allergy
• Lice on the lashes
• Hormonal imbalance

There are three types of blepharitis that are divided based on location and cause, namely anterior, posterior, and mixed blepharitis (a combination of anterior and posterior blepharitis). Here's the explanation:

Inflammation of the anterior eye

This inflammation occurs on the outside of the eye, namely on the lashes. Anterior blepharitis can be caused due to a bacterial infection Staphylococcus or associated with seborrheic dermatitis conditions. Dandruff on the eyebrows and allergic reactions in the eyes can cause inflammation of the anterior eyelid.

Posterior eye inflammation

This inflammation generally occurs at the inner corner of the eye. This type of inflammation is usually caused by blockage of the meibomian glands (the glands located along the back edge of the eyelids) or associated with rosacea.

Triggers

What are the things that put me at risk for blepharitis?

The triggers that put you at risk for blepharitis include:

• Treatment side effects
• Oil gland malfunction
• Dandruff on the scalp or eyebrows
• Allergic reactions to facial makeup or cosmetic products used around the eyes, which can trigger inflammation of the eyelids.

Complications of blepharitis

Conditions that may arise due to untreated blepharitis include:

• Eyelash problems, such as lashes falling out, growing abnormally, or losing color.
• Eyelid skin problems, such as the edge of the eyelid turning in or out.
• Torn or excess dryness due to irritated eyelid moisture.
• A stiff, which is a painful lump on the edge of your eyelid.
• Kalazion that occurs due to blockage of one of the oil glands on the edge of the eyelid, just behind the lashes.
• Chronic red eye can also develop from blepharitis.
• Corneal injury due to persistent irritation of misdirected eyelids or lashes, as well as dry eyes.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Tests and procedures to diagnose blepharitis include:

• Checking the eyelids. The doctor will examine the eyelids and eyes carefully. A special magnifying tool can be used during the examination.
• Swabbing skin for the test. In some cases, doctors can use swab (swab) to take a sample of oil or crust that has formed on the eyelid. The sample can be analyzed for the presence of bacteria, mold, or evidence of an allergy.

How to treat blepharitis?

The following are various options for treating blepharitis:

1. Maintain cleanliness of the eyelids

The key to treating all types of blepharitis is to keep the eyelids clean and free of crusts. Take the following steps to clean your eyes:

• Wet a clean cloth with warm (not hot) water.
• Squeeze and place on closed eyes for 5 minutes.
• Re-wet it as needed to keep warm. This will soften the crust and loosen any oily flakes.

2. Limit the use of eye makeup

During blepharitis, you should limit the use of eye makeup. This is because eye makeup will make keeping your eyelids more difficult to maintain.

3. Using drugs

In addition, there are medications your doctor may recommend to treat your condition. The drugs consist of:

• Antibiotics in several types of antibiotics, including eye drops, creams, and ointments. If topicals or drops don't work, your doctor will give you oral antibiotics.
• Steroid drops or ointment can help reduce inflammation. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs can be combined.
• Topical cyclosporine (restasis) is a calcineurin inhibitor that has been shown to relieve the signs and symptoms of blepharitis.

Blefaritis caused by seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, or other diseases can be controlled by treating or treating the cause.

4. Eat foods high in omega-3

During treatment, it is recommended that you eat foods high in omega-3s, as they can help reduce symptoms of blepharitis. Some foods that contain omega, including sardines, tuna, salmon, nuts, seeds, and green vegetables.

5. Controls dandruff and mites

If dandruff is the cause of your blepharitis, your doctor may recommend an anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos can relieve the signs and symptoms of this condition.

Using shampoo with ingredients tea tree oil on the eyelids every day to help treat mites. Try rubbing your eyes gently using tea tree oil 50% of which are sold freely.

Call your doctor if nothing changes in six weeks. Discontinue use tea tree oil if your skin is irritated.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, blepharitis is a condition that rarely goes away completely. Despite treatment, the condition is often chronic and requires daily attention with scrub eyelid.

If the treatment you are doing is not successful or you continue to lose eyelashes and only one eye is affected, try to consult your doctor further. Although not always, some special conditions, such as eyelid cancer, can cause these kinds of symptoms.

Blepharitis prevention

Here are some tips or ways you can do at home to prevent or treat blepharitis:

• Wash your eyes regularly, at least once a day.
• Make sure you clean your face regularly. This includes removing eye and face make-up before bed.
• Do not touch your eyes with dirty hands and do not rub itchy eyes. Choose a make-up remover that is safe for the eyes. Rubbing your eyes can spread existing infections.
• Put it on makeup safe eyes. Don't use eyeliner on the back end of the eyelid behind the lashes.
• If you are in the early stages of treating blepharitis, you can prevent the irritation from getting worse by stopping using makeup.
• Once you start using makeup again, change the products used for the eye area. Product may be contaminated.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.