Blepharitis is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids. Symptoms include irritation, itching, and often eye redness. It frequently occurs in individuals with oily skin, dandruff, or dry eyes. Blepharitis may begin in early childhood with the appearance of crusting on the eyelids and continue throughout life as a chronic condition, though it can also develop later in life.
Bacteria normally live on the skin’s surface around the eyes, but in certain individuals they start to multiply within the skin at the base of the eyelashes. The resulting irritation—sometimes associated with overactivity of nearby sebaceous glands—causes flaking similar to dandruff and the formation of scales along the eyelashes and eyelid margins, as well as chalazions, i.e. painful inflammatory bumps within the eyelids.
In blepharitis, both eyelids are typically coated with oily secretions and bacteria near the lash line. The eyes become irritated and inflamed. Regular, gentle cleaning of the eyelid margins helps to control the condition.
In some cases, the flaking or bacteria cause only mild irritation and itching, while in others they can lead to redness, stinging, or a burning sensation. Some individuals may even develop an allergic reaction to the flakes or bacteria, resulting in more serious complications such as inflammation of the ocular tissues, particularly of the cornea (the clear, front part of the eye).
Τα τρία βασικά σημεία που θα πρέπει να εξακριβώνονται σε ασθενείς που έχουν βλεφαρίτιδα είναι τα εξής:
Blepharitis is a condition that may not be completely curable, but it can be effectively managed with a few simple daily measures, especially during flare-ups:
Twice daily, moisten a clean towel with warm water or chamomile (not boiling). After wringing it out, place it over your closed eyelids for one to three minutes. As it cools, re-wet it two or three times. This softens and loosens flakes and secretions, and—most importantly—helps liquefy the oily secretions from the eyelid’s sebaceous glands. This helps prevent the formation of a chalazion, an inflammatory lump within one of these glands.
Gently clean the eyelashes (not the eyes themselves) with baby shampoo, diluted at a ratio of 1 drop shampoo to 10 drops water.
If an antibiotic ointment has been prescribed, apply it to the base of the eyelashes (usually before bedtime) using your fingertip or a small piece of cotton.
Simple, daily hygiene practices can significantly reduce the need for additional medications to control blepharitis and its symptoms.
Artificial tears may be used to relieve symptoms of dry eye (preferably preservative-free drops available over the counter).
Steroids may be prescribed for short-term use to reduce inflammation.
Antibiotics may be used to lower bacterial levels on the eyelids.
Oral Vibramycin or Minocycline may be prescribed for systemic treatment of both severe blepharitis and rosacea. Doxycycline and Minocycline are generally preferred, as they can be taken with meals. It is important to note that these medications must not be used during pregnancy, as they can cause developmental abnormalities in fetal teeth and bones.
Pharmaceutical treatments alone are not sufficient. The daily application of warmth and careful eyelid cleaning remain the key to controlling blepharitis.
Why are regular eye examinations important for everyone?
Eye diseases can occur at any age, and many of them do not cause symptoms until significant damage has already taken place. Since vision loss can often be prevented when a condition is diagnosed and treated early, regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist remain crucial.