Related articles: Blepharitis
Definition
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margin. It can be acute (ulcerative or non-ulcerative) or chronic .
Acute ulcerative blepharitis is generally caused by a bacterial (usually staphylococcal) or viral infection (eg herpes simplex or varicella zoster). Acute non-ulcerative blepharitis is mainly due to seasonal or contact allergic reactions and is often associated with acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
Chronic blepharitis, however, they can be caused by an altered secretion of the meibomian glands; these anatomical structures are located in the thickness of the eyelid and have the task of secreting a mixture of lipids that reduces the evaporation of the aqueous component of the tear film. Another chronic form is seborrheic blepharitis.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Eye fatigue
- Burning eyes
- Conjunctivitis
- Ocular pain
- Entropion
- Erythema
- Fotofobia
- Eyelid swelling
- Tearing
- Eyes reddened
- itch
- Pustules
- Eye dryness
- Ocular secretion
- trichiasis
- Skin Ulcers
- Blurred vision
Further indications
Symptoms common to all forms of blepharitis include intense itching, burning, feeling of warmth and edema of the eyelids (the edge of which becomes shiny). Very common is also the conjunctival irritation with hyperemia, secretions, light intolerance and foreign body sensation. To this symptomatology, localized pain and the formation of white scales, similar to dandruff, are added in the most serious cases. During the night, the eyelids may stick together due to the formation of secretions.
Acute ulcerative blepharitis can form small pustules that can break and evolve into superficial, often bleeding, ulcers. Acute non-ulcerative blepharitis, on the other hand, is recognized by the appearance of an erythema.
Most patients with seborrheic blepharitis and dysfunction of the meibomian glands have symptoms of dry eye syndrome (with increased lacrimal evaporation), such as foreign body sensation, visual fatigue and blurred vision. Furthermore, the dysfunction of the meibomian glands is evident due to the thickening of the glandular orifices and the escape of a thick and yellowish secretion following acupressure. Seborrheic blepharitis, on the other hand, is characterized by the formation of greasy scales.
The diagnosis of blepharitis is formulated by a slit lamp exam. In some cases, it is necessary to perform a biopsy to exclude eyelid tumors that can simulate this condition.
Acute ulcerative blepharitis is usually treated with topical or antiviral systemic antibiotics, while the non-ulcerative form is treated with topical corticosteroids (see ophthalmic ointments). The treatment of chronic forms, on the other hand, involves the use of artificial tears, hot compresses and, sometimes, antibiotics.
