Blepharitis

Chronic eyelid margin inflammation

Overview

Blepharitis is chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins and one of the most common causes of eye irritation. Anterior blepharitis affects the base of the eyelashes and is associated with staphylococcal bacteria and seborrheic dermatitis, producing redness and crusting or scales along the lashes. Posterior blepharitis involves the meibomian glands, which secrete the oily layer of the tear film, and overlaps with meibomian gland dysfunction, a leading cause of evaporative dry eye. Infestation of the lash follicles by Demodex mites causes a characteristic form with cylindrical dandruff at the lash bases. Symptoms include burning, grittiness, itching, redness, and crusting, often worse in the morning. Blepharitis is associated with rosacea and can lead to recurrent styes, chalazia, and corneal inflammation. It is typically a chronic, relapsing condition, managed with eyelid warming and cleaning and, for some forms, with antibiotic, anti inflammatory, or antiparasitic treatments.