Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes affecting people of all ages. Among the most common causes of blepharitis are poor eyelid hygiene, excessive oil produced by the glands in the eyelid, bacterial infection (often staphylococcal) or an allergic reaction.
Seborrheic blepharitis is often associated with dandruff of the scalp or skin conditions like acne. It can appear as greasy flakes or scales around the base of the eyelashes and a mild redness of the eyelid. It may also result in a roughness of the normally smooth tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid.Ulcerative blepharitis is less common, but more serious. It is characterized by matted, hard crusts around the eyelashes, which when removed, leave small sores that ooze or bleed. There may also be a loss of eyelashes, distortion of the front edges of the eyelids and chronic tearing. In severe cases, the cornea, the transparent front covering of the eyeball, may also become inflamed.
In many cases, good eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine may control blepharitis. This includes frequent scalp and face washing; warm soaks of the eyelids; and eyelid scrubs. In cases where bacterial infection is a cause, eyelid hygiene may be combined with various antibiotics and other medications. Eyelid hygiene is especially important upon awakening because debris can build up during sleep.
If you experience symptoms of blepharitis, your doctor of optometry can determine the cause and recommend the right combination of treatments specifically for you.
Directions For A Warm Soak Of The Eyelids
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Moisten a clean washcloth with warm water.
- Close eyes and place washcloth on eyelids for about 5 minutes.
- Repeat several times daily.
Directions For An Eyelid Scrub
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Mix warm water and a small amount of shampoo that does not irritate the eye (baby shampoo) or use a commercially prepared lid scrub solution recommended by your optometrist.
- Close one eye and using a clean wash cloth (a different one for each eye), rub the solution back and forth across the eyelashes and the edge of the eyelid.
- Rinse with clear, cool water.
- Repeat with the other eye.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Blepharitis
Red eyelids
Counter Indicators
Not having red eyelids
Risk factors for Blepharitis
Recommendations for Blepharitis
Cysteine / N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
40 individuals with chronic posterior blepharitis were randomly assigned to receive standard therapy, either alone or in combination with oral NAC at 100mg tid for 8 weeks. The standard therapy was topical steroids and antibiotics, warm compresses to the eyelids twice a day, and the use of artificial tears. The group receiving NAC had a statistically significant improvement over the control group. These findings suggest that NAC could provide relief for individuals with this persistent and difficult-to-treat condition. [Cornea 2002;21: pp.164-8]
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
A 15% solution of MSM in isotonic saline was evaluated and found to be a soothing treatment for the eye following accidental injury due to particulate matter in the eye as dust or pollen. A rabbit eye irritated with aqueous sodium lauryl sulfate, quickly cleared when treated every hour with a 10% aqueous solution of MSM. MSM eye drops are commonly available in health food stores.
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative |
| Likely to help |
Glossary
Chronic
Usually Chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Seborrhea
Skin disease characterized by dry or moist, greasy, yellow crusts or scales.
Acne
A chronic skin disorder due to inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (secretion glands in the skin).
Cornea
Transparent structure forming the anterior part of the eye.
Cystitis
Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Vitamin A
A fat-soluble vitamin essential to one's health. Plays an important part in the growth and repair of body tissue, protects epithelial tissue, helps maintain the skin and is necessary for night vision. It is also necessary for normal growth and formation of bones and teeth. For Vitamin A only, 1mg translates to 833 IU.