Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes the edges of the eyelids to become inflamed. It can develop at any age, although people over the age of 60 are more likely to be affected. In most cases, both eyes are affected.

Symptoms of blepharitis

Signs of this condition can include:

• swollen and red eyelid margins
• itchy eyelids that stick together
• greasy eyelashes
• increased sensitivity to light
• gritty sensation in the eyes
• difficulty wearing contact lenses
• red eyes

In severe cases, you may experience abnormal eyelash growth or loss.

What are the causes?

There are two main types of blepharitis: anterior and posterior. It’s also possible to experience a mixture of both.

Anterior blepharitis is when the skin around the base of your eyelashes becomes inflamed. It can be caused by a reaction to Staphylococcus bacteria, which are typically harmless bacteria that live on the skin. Seborrhoeic dermatitis, a condition that causes the skin to become oily, can also irritate the eyelids.

On the other hand, posterior blepharitis is where the meibomian glands become inflamed. These are found along the eyelid margins behind the base of the eyelashes. Posterior blepharitis is caused by issues with the meibomian glands becoming blocked by skin flakes, debris, or inflammation.

How will we check for blepharitis?

We routinely check every patient for signs of blepharitis by doing a slit lamp examination. The slit lamp allows us to see the eyelids and the eyelid margin in higher magnification so we can better see whether a patient has blepharitis.

It also allows us to check for any signs of blocked meibomian glands (meibomian gland dysfunction), which is quite commonly seen, especially in patients who have conditions such as blepharitis and acne rosacea.

What treatment options are available?

Fortunately, blepharitis usually doesn’t cause serious damage to the eye. However, it can be uncomfortable to deal with. Because it’s a long-term condition, ongoing treatment may be necessary to help manage symptoms.

After examining your eyes, we’ll recommend appropriate treatment options or suggest products such as moist wipes or sterile pads for cleaning your eyes.

Getting regular eye exams are essential for eye health maintenance and early detection of eye conditions. To schedule your eye examination at Byrne’s Opticians, please book online.