Eyelid Margin Disease Including Blepharitis

A Closer Look

What is Eyelid Margin Disease?

Eyelid margin disease is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids. This condition frequently occurs in people who have a tendency toward oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes.

With blepharitis, both the upper and lower eyelids become coated with oily particles and bacteria near the base of the eyelashes.

What are the Symptoms of Eyelid Margin Disease?

Symptoms include:

• Eye and eyelid irritation
• Itchiness of the ey
• Redness of the eye
• Burning sensation

What Causes Causes Blepharitis?

Everyone has bacteria on the surface of their skin, but in some people, bacteria thrive in the skin at the base of the eyelashes. Large amounts of bacteria around the eyelashes can cause dandruff-like scales and particles to form along the lashes and eyelid margins.

Blepharitis is also associated with meibomianitis — a dysfunction and inflammation of the nearby oil glands of the eyelids (called meibomian glands).

How is Blepharitis Treated?

Blepharitis is often a chronic condition but it can be controlled with the following treatment:

Warm Compresses

Wet a clean washcloth with warm water, wring it out and place it over your closed eyelids for at least one minute. Repeat two or three times, rewetting the washcloth as it cools. This will loosen scales and debris around your eyelashes. It also helps dilute oil secretions from nearby oil glands, preventing the development of a chalazion (pronounced kuh-LAY-zee-un) — an enlarged lump caused by clogged oil secretions in the eyelid.

Eyelid Scrubs

Using a clean washcloth, cotton swab or commercial lint-free pad soaked in warm water, gently scrub the base of your eyelashes for about 15 seconds per eyelid.

Antibiotic Ointment

Your ophthalmologist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Using a clean fingertip or cotton swab, gently apply a small amount at the base of the eyelashes before bedtime.

Eyedrops

Artificial tears or steroid eyedrops may also be prescribed temporarily to relieve dry eye or inflammation.

Good Hygiene

Because blepharitis can be a persistent problem, you should practice good skin and eyelid hygiene to prevent recurrences, in addition to careful cleansing of your eyelashes, washing your hair, scalp and eyebrows with antibacterial shampoo can also
help control blepharitis.