A Simple Guide to Blepharitis

A Simple Guide to Blepharitis
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What is Blepharitis?
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Blepharitis is a disease which causes inflammation and infection of the margins of the eyelids.


What are the causes of Blepharitis?
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Bacterial Infections:
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1.Gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphphylococcus are common

2.Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella, E.coli, Pseudomonas,

Parasitic Infections:
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Deodex folliculorum rare cause

Non-infectious:
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blocked oil glands of eyelashes


What are the types of Blepharitis?
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Squamous:
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typically scales on lashes- usually non-infectious

Ulcerative:
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yellow crusts on eyelids which causes small bleeding ulcers when removed -
usually due to infections.


What are Signs and symptoms of Blepharitis?
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Symptoms:

1.Irritation and discomfort of eyelids

2.tearing of eyes

3.photophobia (fear of bright lights and sunlight)

4.Yellow discharge or crusts on eyelashes

Signs:

1.White scales on eyelashes in squamous blepharitis

2.yellow crusts on eyelashes in infectious blepharitis

3.small bleeding ulcers on eyelids where crusts have dropped.

4.Conjuctivitis


How is the diagnosis of Blepharitis made?
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1.Symptoms and signs of scales, yellow crusts on eyelids

2.Culture and sensitivity to antibiotics of the discharge from eyedlids

3.Microscopic examination of eyelashes

What are the complications of Blepharitis?
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1.Stye or chalazion of eyelid

2.Conjuctivitis

3.Scarring of eyelids


What is the treatment of Blepharitis?
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Squamous Blepharitis
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1.Treatment of underlying cause such as seborrhoeic dermatitis

2.Application of antiseptic or antibiotic cream to eyelashes

Ulcerative Blepharitis
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1.Rest in dark room

2.Painkiller for pain

3.Removal of crusts and diseased eyelashes by washing warm water or saline

4.Strong antibiotic eyedrops and cream applied to eyelashes:
a.cephalosporin, penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, for most streptococci, staphalococci, hemophilus

b.cephalosporins, gentamycin for pseudomonas

5.Treat associated conjunctivitis

What is the prognosis of Blepharitis ?
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Squamous Blepharitis
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Generally good.

May vary with response to underlying cause.

Recurrence is common.

Ulcerative Blepharitis
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Most cases recovered well.

Rarely there may serious sequalae such as
loss of eyelashes,
scarring of eyelashes
conjuctival ulcers


What are the Preventive measures taken for Blepharitis ?
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1.Avoid rubbing of eyes with dirty hands

2.Good hand hygiene

3.Healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and adequate sleep.

4.Reducing watching of TV and computer monitors

5.Regular eye checkups