What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids, which can cause irritation, itching, crusting of the eyelashes, and occasionally a red eye.  Blepharitis can begin in early childhood or develop in later life. The condition may occur only once, but more often recurs repeatedly.  This chronic form of the condition is often referred to as "granulated eyelids."

What are the symptoms of Blepharitis?

There are two basic types of blepharitis.  The more common form is an immune response to an overgrowth of normal skin bacteria.  It is characterized by redness of the eyelid margin and crusty scales or flaking around the eyelashes.  Loss of eyelashes and distortion of the margins of the eyelids are also common complications in any from of blepharitis.  Seborrheic blepharitis is slightly less common and is characterized by less eyelid redness, but more crust or flakes around the eyelashes.  The crusty discharges are typically "greasy" in nature.  Seborrheic blepharitis is also often associated with dandruff of the scalp. Untreated or advanced blepharitis may lead to a more severe complication known as ulcerative blepharitis.  Erosion or even ulceration of the eyelid or cornea may occur.  This condition can cause a great deal of discomfort and requires immediate and aggressive treatment.

 

 

 

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