Blepharitis Eye Infection

Blepharitis is a eyelid infection that can result from a number of different conditions. This condition is a common one and it tends to be recurring. Understanding more about blepharitis is helpful when you are looking to prevent or treat it.

Types

• Blepharitis takes two different forms. Anterior blepharitis affects the outer edge of the eyelid, roughly where the eyelashes connected to the eyelid. Posterior blepharitis is found on the inner eyelid and is linked to issues with the oil-secreting glands located there. Having a case of both anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis at the same time is common, though one type will usually be more severe than the other.

Identification

• Identifying blepharitis is usually accomplished through recognizing the symptoms. Persistent eye watering, or flaking and crusting of the skin of the eyelids are two common signs, as are redness, itching and irritation of the eyelid. You may also notice a burning sensation or a feeling that something is caught under your eyelid as well.

Significance

• If blepharitis is not treated, it it can have several long-term effects. Dilated and visible capillaries in the infected eye is one possible effect, as is erosion to the lower third of the cornea resulting from rubbing. The eyelid margins can also become thickened or the eyelid itself might fold inward.

Prevention/Solution

• Maintaining very clean eyelid margins is an important part of preventing or getting rid of blepharitis. Your hands should be very clean before they touch your eyes. A clean washcloth soaked in warm water can be used to clean your eye every day, after which, your eye can be rinsed with cool water. Cleaning your eye in this fashion should be done once daily, but during a blepharitis outbreak, can be repeated two or three times every day. Your doctor may also suggest an over-the-counter eye cleansing fluid.

Causes

• There are several factors that might cause blepharitis. Skin issues like dandruff or acne rosacea can lead to blepharitis as can allergies. This condition can also be caused by various types of skin cancer.