Chronic blepharitis
Blepharitis is an infection of the eyelids.
It occurs when the pores of tiny fat-producing glands near the base of the eyelashes clog, causing irritation and redness; various diseases and conditions can cause blepharitis.
It is often a chronic condition that is not always easy to treat.
Symptoms
Symptoms of blepharitis are usually more pronounced in the morning.
- tearing
- redness
- feeling of burning, itching, foreign body
- swollen eyelids
- loss of eyelashes
- hyperemia at the edge of the eyelids
- relaxation of the skin of the eyelids
- feeling of “stuck eyelids” especially during the morning awakening
- more frequent blinking of the eyelids
- photosensitivity
- Symptoms of blepharitis are usually more pronounced in the morning.
- tearing
- redness
- feeling of burning, itching, foreign body
- swollen eyelids
- loss of eyelashes
- hyperemia at the edge of the eyelids
- relaxation of the skin of the eyelids
- feeling of “stuck eyelids” especially during the morning awakening
- more frequent blinking of the eyelids
- photosensitivity
Causes
The exact cause of blepharitis is not known. It may be related to one or more of the following:
- Seborrheic dermatitis – dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
- Infection
- Clogged or dysfunctional fat-producing glands in the eyelids
- Rosacea
- Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens solutions or make up
- Eyelash louse (Demodex), parasites
- Dry eyes
- smoking
Complications
Chalazion.
It occurs due to a blockage in one of the small fat-producing glands at the edge of the eyelids, just behind the eyelashes; this blockage causes inflammation of the gland, which causes the eyelid to swell and blush; this can be cleaned or turned into a hard lump.
Eyelash problems. Blepharitis can cause the eyelashes to fall, they may grow unusually (in the wrong direction of the eyelashes) or they may change their color.
Problems with the skin of the eyelids. Scars may develop on the eyelids; the edges of the eyelids may turn in (entropium) or outward (ectropium).
Excessive tearing or dry eye.
Chronic redness of the eyes
Corneal injury.
Therapy
Treatment includes so-called “eyelid hygiene” and the instillation of drops or the use of ointment.
It is recommended to clean the eyelids with warm water and eye shampoo before and after the night sleep with simultaneous massage at the edge of the eyelids. In addition, it is recommended to take artificial tears at least before and after night sleep, even better during the day. In resistant cases cyclosporin drops are administered and sometimes local intake of drops and ointment of antibiotic and steroid in combination with systematic intake of antibiotics as well is recommended.