BlepharitisPronounced: Bleff-uh-REYE-tis
by
Debra Wood, RN DefinitionBlepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid that tends to recur. It is a common eye disorder that can affect the skin, lashes, or glands of the eyelid. Blepharitis is classified as:
Blepharitis may also be a combination of these 2 types.
Causes TOPIt is not always clear what causes blepharitis. There are a number of factors that may be linked to the development of blepharitis based on the type:
Other general issue that may play a role in blepharitis include:
Risk Factors TOPFactors that may increase your chance of blepharitis include:
Factors that can make symptoms worse include:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms can vary but are usually worse in the morning and involve both eyes. If glands are affected they can reduce the amount of moisture for the eye. Blepharitis can cause one or more of the following:
More severe blepharitis can cause:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. An examination of your eyes will be done. Blepharitis may be suspected based on the symptoms. If inflammation is severe, occurs often, or is not responding to treatment further tests may be needed. This may include:
Treatment TOPBlepharitis tends to reappear but treatment can help manage symptoms. Managing symptoms can help reduce the chance of complications. Self CareCleaning and caring for the eyelids is important during flare ups. Simple home steps like warm compresses to the eye and gentle cleaning will help remove crust. Massage and applying pressure to the eyelids can also help release fluids from gland. Other steps like avoiding use of contacts or eye makeup may also be needed until symptoms disappear. MedicationBlepharitis that does not respond to self care may need medication. Options will depend on specific symptoms but may include:
Prevention TOPThere are no known ways reduce your chance of blepharitis since the cause is not clear. RESOURCES:Eye Smart—American Ophthalmology http://www.geteyesmart.org National Eye Institute http://www.nei.nih.gov/ CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian National Institute for the Blind http://www.cnib.ca Canadian Ophthalmological Society http://www.cos-sco.ca References:Blepharitis. American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-blepharitis. Accessed December 20, 2017. Blepharitis. American Optometric Association website. Available at: https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/blepharitis?sso=y. Accessed December 20, 2017.
Blepharitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115284/Blepharitis
. Updated November 28, 2016. Accessed December 20, 2017.
Facts about blepharitis. National Eye Institute website. Available at: https://nei.nih.gov/health/blepharitis/blepharitis. Updated August 2009. Accessed December 20, 2017. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 12/20/2017 | |
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