Blepharitis
Diagnostic
The diagnosis is made following an ophthalmological examination on:
- Visual acuity
- External examination (skin, eyelids)
- Biomicroscopic examination: tear film, anterior edge of the eyelid, eyelashes, posterior edge of the eyelid, tarsal conjunctiva, bulbar conjunctiva, cornea
Diagnostic tests:
Cultures may be indicated in patients with recurrent anterior blepharitis, with severe inflammation and also in patients who do not respond to treatment.
Eyelid biopsy to exclude carcinoma may be indicated in cases of marked asymmetry, treatment resistance, or recurrent unifocal chalazion that does not respond well to treatment.
Treatment
Blepharitis tends to recur frequently. The medical treatment of blepharitis begins with daily hygiene of the eyelids, local application of warm water compresses (helps to evacuate and clean secretions). If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult our clinic for a prescription of a local antibiotic treatment.
Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids, which usually occurs on the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow and can affect both eyes. Blepharitis can occur at any age, but is more common in people 40 years and older. Blepharitis is a recurrent infection.
Exacerbation conditions: smoking, allergens, wind, contact lenses, low humidity, retinoids, diet and alcohol consumption, make-up.
In the vast majority of cases, it is frequently associated with conjunctivitis, seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea. Blepharitis is not a contagious disease.
Types
Blepharitis can be acute or chronic and is usually bilateral. Anterior blepharitis affects the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes are present.
Posterior blepharitis affects the inner part of the eyelid, which comes into contact with the eyeball and where the sebaceous glands are present. Often the two conditions coexist, making the management of blepharitis more problematic.
Causes
There are many causes: dry eye syndrome, recurrent conjunctivitis, contact lens wear, hormonal factors, seborrheic dermatitis, dust, pollution, allergic history, uncorrected refractive errors, insufficient tear flow, diabetes, avitaminosis, digestive disorders.
Among the infectious factors responsible for the appearance of blepharitis, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common.
Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms:
- Red and swollen eyelids
- Burning/tingling sensation in the eyes
- Foreign body sensation
- The formation of crusts on the eyelids, which is usually seen after waking up
- Glued eyelids in the morning
- Itchy eyelids
- Eyelids may appear oily
- Tearing
- Photophobia – discomfort with light
- Increased eye blinking
- Contact lens intolerance
If the blepharitis is of bacterial origin, long-term effects include loss of eyelashes, ectropion (rotation of the eyelid margin, most commonly the lower lid, exposing the conjunctiva), thickening of the eyelid margin, the eyelid, dilated and visible capillaries, trichosis and entropion (turning of the edge of the eyelid inwards). Changes in the eyelashes can produce corneal erosions that can become infected, leading to serious vision disturbances. The condition has a chronic course, with periods of calm and subsequent exacerbation of manifestations.
Complications
- chalazion (painless swelling inside the eyelid)
- stye (painful red bump on the outside of the eyelid)
- keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
Address
132, Boulevard Jacques Bizard
L'Île-Bizard (Québec) H9C 2T9
Agency Permit
AP-2101691
Adresse
132, Boulevard Jacques-Bizard
L'Île-Bizard (Québec) H9C 2T9
Permis d'agence
AP-2101691