The sense of sight is one of the five fundamental senses that allow humans and animals to interact with the world around them. For this reason, everyone is encouraged to take care of their eyes, especially since it's open most of the time and exposed to many threats, such as bright lights and dust.
However, it's not just the eye that can be affected because some conditions also affect the eyelids. An example of this is blepharitis, which is a condition that results in the inflammation of the eyelids. This can be caused by several things, such as bacteria, allergies, and even certain skin conditions. If left unattended, blepharitis can result in serious problems, such as loss of vision. Few people know about the condition, so we'll discuss the details in this article.
Types of Blepharitis
Blepharitis is divided into two distinct categories, which are:
Anterior Blepharitis
This type of blepharitis is more common, especially in adults. It affects the outer part of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are located. It is characterized by the inflammation of the eyelash follicles and the glands that produce oil.
It's also characterized by the formation of dandruff on the eyelashes. This is a condition that is caused by the inflammation of the sebaceous glands. They are responsible for producing the natural oil that lubricates the eyelids. If the glands are inflamed, they will produce less oil, resulting in a dry and flaky appearance.
Posterior Blepharitis
This type of blepharitis is less common than the anterior type. It affects the inner part of the eyelid, where the tear ducts are located. It is characterized by the inflammation of the tear ducts and the glands that produce tears.
It’s also characterized by the formation of pus on the inner part of the eyelid. Unlike posterior blepharitis, this is the inflammation of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the tears that lubricate the eyes.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
The symptoms of blepharitis typically include:
- Eye irritation
- Soreness
- Burning sensation
- Itchy eyes
- Tearing
- Crusting of the eyelashes
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
Conditions Associated with Blepharitis
As mentioned, several conditions affect the severity of blepharitis. These include:
Chalazion
A chalazion is a lump that forms on the eyelid when the oil glands are blocked. It's usually harmless, although it can cause discomfort.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears. It can be caused by blepharitis.
Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the eye. It can be caused by a foreign object, such as dust or sand.
Pink Eye
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin, transparent membrane that covers the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergy.
Stye
A stye is a small, red, painful bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.
Treating Blepharitis
Unfortunately, there's no cure for blepharitis. However, there are several treatment options for the conditions that affect it. These include:
Eye Drops
There are a variety of eye drops that can help to soothe blepharitis. For example, artificial tears can help to relieve dryness and irritation, while antihistamines can help to reduce inflammation.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can effectively treat blepharitis, especially if bacteria cause it. For example, your doctor may prescribe an ointment or drops that contain antibiotics, which can be applied directly to the eyelids. In some cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary.
Eyelid Scrubs
Eyelid scrubs can help to reduce crusting and remove debris from the eyelids. For example, a doctor may prescribe a 2% lid scrub that contains dilute baby shampoo. This can be applied to the eyelids with a cotton swab and rinsed off with warm water. However, some people prefer using a commercial eyelid scrub, such as Avenova (which contains a 0.01% pure hypochlorous acid solution).
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. This usually involves blepharoplasty, which removes excess tissue from the eyelids.
Conclusion
Blepharitis is a painful eye condition, but you no longer have to suffer. With the proper treatment, it can be effectively managed, and you can regain quality of life. All that matters is consulting an eye doctor to know what works for you.
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