Blepharitis Diagnosis and Treatment

The human skin surface is known to house millions of bacteria, though some people have more than the average number. Blepharitis are bacteria that lie at the base of the eyelashes. They produce dandruff-like flakes in the skin, which lead to infection and inflammation. Problems with the meibomian oil gland (meibomianitis) in the eyelids can also cause blepharitis.

The development of inflammation is also associated with risk factors such as dandruff, dry eyes, acne rosacea, or bacteria. This is a common eye disorder affecting all age groups.

Diagnosing Blepharitis        

People with blepharitis have symptoms of redness; itchiness, and irritation of eyelids, which are uncomfortable and difficult to manage. In diagnosing this condition, ophthalmologists (a medical specialist who performs surgery for eye problems) as well as optometrists (a specialist in diagnosing and treating eye conditions) have specific and important roles to play.

The two different approaches for diagnosing blepharitis are physical examination and comprehensive eye examination.

Physical Examination

This is done by close monitoring of the eyelids and eyelashes by the optometrist or the ophthalmologist. The optometrist evaluates the eye using a slit-lamp microscope or specialized tools such as a magnifying tool. This tool checks for inflammation in the eye and the existence of bacteria/fungi/viruses. He also tests the pressure in the eyes (tonometry).

If signs of infection are found during close monitoring, the ophthalmologist wipes the eye and collects any fluid oozing from the eyes as sample. This sample is tested under a microscope.

Comprehensive Eye Examinations

This test helps in detection of blepharitis, which can be performed on the outer surface of the eyeball and eyelids. This process includes:

• Analyzing the patient history that could contribute to blepharitis;
• Extrinsic detection of the eye structure, skin texture, and appearance of eyelashes;
• Examining the openings of the meibomian gland, base of the eyelashes, and eyelid margins using a bright light;
• Checking for abnormalities by evaluating the quantity and quality of tears.

The type of blepharitis can be determined based on the appearance of the eyelid edges. If the symptoms frequently exhibited by the patients are mild sticking eyelids, thickened lid margins, and missing/misdirected eyelashes, then the type of blepharitis is said to be Staphylococcal. If the patients show mild redness of the eyelids or scales around the base of eyelashes, then it is Seborrheic blepharitis.

When the patient is found with blockage of the oil glands in the eyelids, poor quality of tears, and redness of the lining of the eyelids, the type is Meibomian blepharitis. If a hard, matted crust is formed on the eyelashes, and while removing these some small sores are formed on the eyelashes that ooze and bleed, it is called Ulcerative blepharitis. In this case, patients may experience distortion of the front edges of the eyelids, loss of eyelash, and chronic tearing. In severe conditions, the transparent outer portion of the eye that covers the eyeball (cornea) is inflamed.

Treating Blepharitis

Blepharitis is comparatively a long-standing condition, and can be treated by the following methods which can be done in the home:

• Routine cleaning of eyelids once or twice a day and keep it without crust.
• Apply warm compresses on the eyelid that can loosen the crust, bacteria, dust, and grime, and reduce inflammation.
• Push out excessive oil accumulated in the gland by lightly massaging the eyelids.
• Dilute some baby shampoo in warm water and apply it on the eyelids. Gently scour the eyelids using a cotton swab for about 15 sec or soak a cotton ball in the shampoo mixture and cautiously apply it on the eyelashes. Finally, wash the eyelids and eyelashes using warm water.
• When dandruff is present in the scalp, it is recommended to use anti-dandruff shampoo or anti-bacterial shampoo to wash the hair and scalp.

The person who consults the doctor is given the below mentioned treatment:

• The ophthalmologist prescribes artificial tears and steroid or antibiotic eyedrops.

A small amount of lubricating or antibiotic ointment or eyedrop is gently applied on the base of the eyelashes with clean fingers before bedtime, and then rinsed with water to avoid irritation caused by dry eyes, to reduce redness and swelling, and clogging of the oil glands.

• If the case is severe, antibiotics or steroids can be taken orally in the form of tablets.
• In some patients, chalazia (cysts in the eyelid) are formed due to the accumulation of oily secretions. In such cases, surgery is required.
• To control the growth of bacteria on the skin, antiseptic sprays are also prescribed.

Reducing or stopping eye makeup helps during treatment. Commercial eyelid scrubs (medicated pads) can be used for removing eye makeup to maintain the hygiene of the eyelid. Temporarily abstaining from use of contact lenses is preferred while taking treatment.

Further Reading

• All Blepharitis Content
• Blepharitis Types and Causes
• Blepharitis Complications

Written by

Afsaneh Khetrapal

Afsaneh graduated from Warwick University with a First class honours degree in Biomedical science. During her time here her love for neuroscience and scientific journalism only grew and have now steered her into a career with the journal, Scientific Reports under Springer Nature. Of course, she isn’t always immersed in all things science and literary; her free time involves a lot of oil painting and beach-side walks too.