Do I have Blepharitis?

It is characterised as an inflammatory condition of the eyelid, resulting in scaly, itchy, and inflamed eyelids. This may occasionally be the result of an allergic reaction or bacterial invasion. This eye condition is more common with certain disorders, such as rosacea and seborrhoeic dermatitis. It typically affects both eyes, and because of how intermittent it is, some patients may mistake it for allergic conjunctivitis. It is a chronic form of eye condition that causes people to feel uncomfortable all the time, with occasional mood swings.

Symptoms 

 The following are examples of common symptoms: 

• Itchy eyes 

 • Swollen eyelids with a little burning sensation on them 

 • Grittiness in the eye

 • Discharge sticking to the eyelids, especially in the morning 

 • White patches and flake formation on the outer corners of the eyes 

• Redness in the eye 

 • Swelling of the meibomian glands in the eyelids, which may fill with fluid

 • Falling or discoloration of the eyelashes

 

Thick discharge on the eyelids

Types of Blepharitis 

There are three main types of this eye disorder. 

• Bacterial Blepharitis 

• Meibomian glands dysfunction Blepharitis 

• Secondary to the Seborrhoeic dermatitis 

 

Bacterial Blepharitis 

 There are some bugs like staphylococcus that normally lives on our skin may invade to the eyelids and cause this condition. There could be some collection of the pus on the margins of eyelids. 

 Meibomian glands dysfunction blepharitis 

These glands normally produce the tear film in the front of the eye, which allows the eyeball to maintain a moist environment in order to look around and see clearly through the clear window (cornea) of the eye. However, exposure to certain allergens and even prolonged exposure to colder temperatures can thicken the discharge that these glands produce, giving the appearance of swelling and contributing to the condition. 

 

 

 Secondary to Seborrhoeic dermatitis 

 Seborrheic blepharitis and seborrheic dermatitis are related skin disorders. Seborrheic dermatitis usually causes oily, sometimes scaly, patches of skin. Usually affecting the face and upper chest, it causes extremely dry skin and sporadically a rash. The aforementioned ailment only raises the likelihood of having dry, reddened eyelids; it does not transmit from person to person. 

 Complications of Blepharitis

 For a better understanding, I would like to briefly discuss a few of the complications that come with this disorder. 

 Chalazion 

 This is an inflammatory meibomian gland that typically looks like a lump and is painless, but it does not obstruct our vision. Because of the pus buildup, this can occasionally hurt. 

 Conjunctivitis 

 This may cause an infection of the transparent layer of the eye, resulting in a red eye with a scratchy feeling. 

Stye 

 This represents an inflammation of the lash hair follicle. The blepharitis may have caused this to swell and become severely inflamed.

 

stye

 

 Keratitis 

This infection affects the clear window of the eye that is responsible for our vision. It may be highly sensitive to inflammation and require quick medical attention, such as antibiotics or steroid eye drops. 

The appearance of eyelashes can lead to various complications, such as discoloration, misdirected growth, and missing eyelashes. 

 Treatment of Blepaharitis 

 

Self hygiene

 

 This is easily treated by practising self-care, which entails applying warm compression to your eye for approximately five to ten minutes after soaking a clean cotton wool ball or flannel in warm water. Just as we should routinely brush our teeth, one should take care of their eyes. Following that, giving the meibomian glands a quick massage for about 30 seconds will help them dilate, allowing them to easily release their secretions and produce normal oil for lubrication. Doing this at least once a day is recommended. You can always ask your doctor to prescribe artificial tear drops and an antibiotic-based ointment for your eyelids if these easy steps prove ineffective. 

 

 Identify your triggers such as sitting in front of screen for long time, working in enclosed environment and waearing contact lenses may help you mange this conditon more easily.

Take away point 

Although not very common, this eye condition does occur frequently.After reading through this condition quickly, try to familiarise yourself with it and take care of yourself as much as you can. But if you need to, don't be afraid to get in touch with your doctors. Because the sole goals of this article are education and public awareness.