Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a term used to refer to eyelid inflammation. The word is derived from Greek words "blepharos" meaning eyelid and "itis" which denotes inflammation. ^[1]  Blepharitis affects person of any age. It tends to recur however it is not communicable and does not cause permanent damage to eyesight. ^{[1] [2]}

Types

Anatomically, blepharitis is classified into two-anterior and posterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis involves the outside front part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow while posterior blepharitis is associated to dysfunction of a gland that secretes oil called meibomian gland. ^[3]     

Epidemiology

1 in 20 eye problems reported to GPs is due to blepharitis. The condition is more common in people with age above 50 years old. ^[4] There are no known studies to demonstrate racial and gender predilection. ^[5]             

Causes

Most of the cases are due to malfunction of the oil glands. When there is oil excess or shortage or wrong oil, the margins of the eyelid undergo inflammation. In some instances, blepharitis may be due to disorders affecting lid margins such as seborrheic blepharitis (like scalp dandruff) and infection by Staphylococcus bacteria.

Other causes include allergies to substances like mascara, animal and chemical exposures, airborne allergens, infestation by mites or head lice and some systemic medical conditions. ^[1]               

Signs and Symptoms

Affected person may have  the following signs and symptoms ^{[6] [5] [1] [7]}:

• sensation of a foreign body in the eyes like dust or sand
• sensitivity to light
• burning sensation
• pain
• red eyelids
• red eyes
• itchy eyelids
• crusting of the eyelids
• swollen eyelids
• eyes 'glued together' in the morning
• dry eyes
• loss of eyelashes
• decreased vision
• eyelashes that grow abnormally
• more frequent blinking           

Diagnosis 

Blepharitis is often diagnosed by  getting history and physical examination. ^[1]  The physician may also do skin swab to collect specimen to determine underlying cause. ^[7]

Treatment

Treatment options include antibiotics, steroid eye drops or ointments and artificial tears. Underlying condition should be treated if present. ^[7] The most essential step to control symptoms is daily routine of lid margin hygiene. Eye make up should be limited or stopped and wearing of contact lenses may be temporarily discontinued during treatment. ^[1]

Blepharitis rarely totally disappear. Relapses are common. ^[7

References:

1.   http://www.medicinenet.com/blepharitis/article.htm

2.   http://www.aoa.org/x4718.xml

3.   http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/blepharitis.htm

4.   http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Blepharitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

5.   http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1211763-overview#a0199

6.   http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/blepharitis

7.   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blepharitis/DS00633/DSECTION=symptoms