Symptoms
Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelid margins. It is often chronic, recurrent, and bilateral. Possible symptoms include:
- Swollen, inflamed, red, crusted, dry, sticky, peeling eyelids.
- Loss and growth disorders of eyelashes
- Burning, foreign body sensation
- Irritation, frequent blinking
- Itching
- Eye tears
- Dry eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Visual disturbances
- Red eyes, conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation.
- Intolerance to contact lenses
Existing eye diseases are further aggravated by blepharitis. A distinction is made between involvement of the base of the eyelashes, the skin and the meibomian glands. Impaired function of the eyelid margins also has a negative impact on the ocular surface, leading to red and dry eyes, among other symptoms.
Causes
The most common causes include infection with staphylococci, seborrhea, and malfunction of the meibomian glands. Infectious diseases:
- Bacterial infection: , ,
- Viruses: molluscum contagiosum, common warts, herpes simplex, varicella zoster.
- Fungal diseases
- Parasites: Infestation of the eyelashes with crabs, controversial: mites like and.
Skin diseases:
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Rosacea
- Dysfunction of the meibomian glands, changes in lipid secretion.
- Psoriasis
- Ichthyosis
- Eyelid tumors
Allergic diseases:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
Other causes:
- Injuries, medications, systemic diseases
Aggravating factors include a corresponding predisposition and irritating substances such as cosmetics, dust and smoke. Mixed forms also occur.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made in ophthalmologic care primarily on the basis of clinical symptoms and patient history. Laboratory tests may be necessary, depending on the cause. Possible differential diagnoses include other ocular diseases.
Nonpharmacologic treatment
Daily eyelid margin hygiene and care is considered the most important measure:
- In the morning and evening, body-warm compresses should be applied during 5-15 minutes to loosen the incrustations. For this purpose, for example, a washcloth moistened with warm water can be used.
- Two to three times a day eyelid margin hygiene: recommended daily cleaning with damp cloths or cotton swabs and a mild cleanser (eg, mild shampoo). Appropriate products are available in stores.
- Massage the edge of the eyelid: To do this, hold the eyelid away from the eye and with the index finger, a cotton swab or compress from the inside in the direction of the ear over the edge of the eyelid.
- Heat irradiation with UVA light
Drug treatment
Antibiotics (e.g., fusidic acid), antiseptics (e.g., Bibrocathol), antivirals, and antiparasitic agents are administered in the form of ophthalmic ointments, eye drops, or oral forms to treat infectious urges. Glucocorticoids can be used with restraint and in the short term to treat the inflammatory changes. Tear substitutes, among others, are recommended for the treatment of dry eyes and ocular irritation (see Dry Eyes).
