One of the most common eye problems in older adults is a skin condition called blepharitis . In severe cases, it may also cause styes , irritation and inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Inflammation happens when the body tries to fight an injury or infection and the specific area tends to look swollen and sore. Some patients have no symptoms at all. Blepharitis tends to recur and stubbornly resist treatment. It is inconvenient and unattractive but usually does not damage the cornea or result in loss of vision. Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and the appearance of the eyelids. A doctor may use a slit lamp to examine the eyelids more closely. Occasionally, a sample of pus is taken from the edges of the eyelids and is cultured to identify the type of bacteria responsible and the antibiotics to which they are susceptible. Occasionally, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin plus polymyxin B or sulfacetamide or an oral antibiotic, such as doxycycline.
Causes of Blepharitis
The common Causes of Blepharitis:
Inflammatory or allergic blepharitis results in increased shedding of skin cells near your eyelids.
Askin condition called rosacea.
Dust, smoke, or other substances that cause allergies.
Bacteria, such as staphylococci, or other organisms.
The ulcerative form (infectious) often results in infectious discharge.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
Some Symptoms of Blepharitis:
Inflamed, greasy and sore eyelids,
Dry eyes,
“Gritty” or “sandy” feeling
Blurred and decreased vision,
Itchiness or a burning sensation,
A feeling that there is something in your eye,
Sensitivity to light (photophobia),
Thickened and swollen eyelids,
Occasional loss of eyelashes and scarring of the eyelids.
Itching, irritation, red eyes .
Treatment of Blepharitis
Antibiotic ointment does not make the blepharitis clear faster, but it may help to stop the spread of the infection to other parts of the eyes, or treat a secondary infection.
Instructing your child not to rub his/her eyes.
It is important to know that the goal of the treatment is to decrease the severity of the symptoms.
applying warm, wet, compresses to your child’s eyes for a period of approximately 15 minutes several times throughout the day
Having your child wash his/her hands frequently .
Add a few drops of baby shampoo to a cup of water. Moisten a cotton swab with this mixture. Using the swab, clean all the deposits from your lid margins and eyelashes. Do not pull the crusts off with your fingers. Use a new swab for each eye.
Moisten a washcloth with warm water and hold it over both eyes for several minutes. This helps to soften any deposits on the eyelids. This can also help open up the tear glands and moisturize the eye.
Severe cases of blepharitis may need to be managed by an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist).
Corticosteroid cream or lotion.
