Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a medical term for the inflammation of the eyelids. Inflammation is the process by which white blood cells and chemicals react to and protect us from foreign substances, infection or injury. Signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, pain warmth as well as change in function. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids leading to red, irritated, itchy eyelids and the formation of dandruff -like scales on the eyelashes. It's a common eye disorder with a wide variety of causes and it affects people of all ages. Though, it could be uncomfortable, annoying or unattractive, this disease is not infectious and doesn't lead to permanent damage to eyesight. This condition can be difficult to handle and it tends to reoccur as well.
Causes of Blepharitis
This condition involves the eyelid margins, wherein the eyelashes grow and the openings of the tiny oil glands are situated. There could be involvement of the skin adjoining the outer edges of the eyelid margin and/or the inner edge of the eyelid that comes into contact with the eyeball less important to the underlying disorder of the lid margins. Majority of the cases of blepharitis are posterior blepharitis , due to the inflammation of the meibomian glands of the lids. In each of the upper and lower lids, there are about 40 of these glands. The eyelid margins can become aggravated, inflamed and itchy when these glands produce abnormal secretions. Patients with acne rosacea, which is a generalized ailment of oil glands are often seen with blepharitis. Blepharitis can also be caused sue to allergies sue to reactions from mascara, sprays, contact lens solutions, environmental chemicals, exposure to animals, etc.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Blepharitis are generally present in both the eyes, affecting the upper and lower lids. Some of the symptoms are:
• Irritated or itchy eyelids
• Mild tearing, dryness of the eyes
• Burning, gritty or sandy sensation
• Crusting of the eyelids
• Sensitivity to light, decreased comfort while wearing contact lenses
Signs of blepharitis include :
• swollen eyelids, red eye lid margins
• enhanced shedding of skin cells near your eyelids, leading to flaking of the skin around the eyes
• matting of the lashes or eyes glued together in the morning
• crusted eyelashes upon awakening, tears that are foamy or bubbly in nature
• loss of eyelashes, mild scarring of the eyelid margins