Blepharitis is the ophthalmological (that
is, concerning the medicine of the eye)
term for inflammation of the eyelids.
(That this term concerns the eyelids indicated by the prefix "blephar-"
which refers to the eyelid, and is also a prefix of other terms in this
section - listed on the left).
Blepharitis can manifest in the form of the rims of
the eyelids becoming inflamed, making the eyes red, itchy, and sore. Blepharitis
can become a chronic
(persistant) condition causing discomfort and irritation, though not necessarily
more serious complications. Both eyes are usually affected.
There are several forms (categories) of blepharitis,
including:
- Allergic Blepharitis may occur in response to chemicals,
drugs or cosmetics in contact with the eyelids.
.
- Chronic Ulcerative Blepharitis is an unpleasant condition
in which yellow crusts form over ulcers at the margins of the eyelids.
The eyelashes may become matted together, fall out, or become distorted.
.
- Meibomian Blepharitis (also known as Meibomian
Gland Dysfunction) is attributed to malfunction of the tiny
meibomian glands in the eyelids, which are lie just behind the eyelashes.
These generate a small amount of oily fluid which is released onto the
back of the eyelids next to the eye and helps to lubricate the eye.
Meibomian Blepharitis is thought to be due to the action
or inaction of the meibomian glands, that can lead to inflammation of
the eyelid. People with meibomian blepharitis often have dry eyes beacus
the fluid they produce isn't sufficient to adequately lubricate the
eye.
.
- Seborrhoeic Blepharitis is associated with a skin
condition called seborrhoeic dermatitis - in which affected skin becomes
more oily and can become scaly. Seborrhoeic dermatitis typically causes
bad dandruff and sometimes a rash on the face and upper body. This is
causes by a yeast germ that lives in the sebum (oil) of human skin in
most adults, some people suffer reactions to this germ that invlve inflammation
of skin tissues but such conditions are not contagious (i.e. others
in close proximity cannot "catch" it).
.
- Squamous Blepharitis is sometimes associated with
dandruff (of the scalp) as white scales of dead skin accumulate among
the eye lashes.
.
- Staphylococcal Blepharitis is thought to be caused
by staphylococcus bacteria. This lives in low numbers on the
skin without causing any harm but in some cases people, the staphylococcus
bacteria a causes local infection of the eyelids, leading to blepharitis.
Patients with any form of blepharitis are generally
advised not to rub or scratch their eyes as this can make the situation
worse. Eyelid hygiene routines may be recommended and in some cases eyedrops
may be prescribed.
More about Ophthalmology: This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
 |
This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
|
