Symptoms of blepharitis
La Blepharitis It is an ocular pathology that can present various symptoms, such as swollen eyelid, among others. For this reason, it is important to learn to identify these signs to make a correct diagnosis.
Symptoms of blepharitis
La Blepharitis It is an ocular pathology that can present various symptoms, such as swollen eyelid, among others. For this reason, it is important to learn to identify these signs to make a correct diagnosis.
What is blepharitis?
La Blepharitis It is a type of inflammation of the eyelids that causes certain discomfort in the eye to the person who suffers from it. It is a common consultation in ophthalmology centers, and usually affects young people. However, symptoms of blepharitis sometimes develop in adults as well.
Symptoms of blepharitis
The main symptoms that causes blepharitis, in addition to inflammation of the eye, are the following:
- Itchy or irritated eyes. The eyelid looks swollen and red.
- Burning eyes after reading or after being in front of a digital screen for several hours.
- Irritated eyes.
- excessive tearing in case of exposure to cold, heat, wind, air conditioning or pollution.
- Scabs or dandruff at the base of the lashes.
- Feeling of having a foreign body or grit in the eyes, especially when waking up.
- Thickening of the eyelid margins.
- Stye recurrent in the swollen eye.
- Glare or fluctuating vision.
- In the most severe cases, the swollen eyelid causes: decreased visual acuity, blepharospasm, photophobia and pain.
Risk factors for blepharitis
different factors that can cause blepharitis, such as some conditions and everyday situations. Some examples are:
- Atopy.
- Rosacea.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Psoriasis.
- Menopause.
- Seborrheic dermatitis.
- Chronic use of contact lenses.
- Use of topical medications with prostaglandins for glaucoma.
- hormonal problems.
- Exposure to computer or screens for a long time, because while these activities are carried out, the blinking is less.
Furthermore, there are different oral medications that have also been associated with puffy eye:
- Antidepressants.
- contraceptives.
- Antihistamines.
- Antipsychotics.
- Chemotherapy.
- skin medications (such as isotretinoin, indicated for acne).
- Antiandrogens (such as finasteride).
Another risk factor for blepharitis is some previous eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery, la refractive surgery or certain eye surgeries. This is because these interventions decrease the sensitivity of the cornea and, with it, the frequency of blinking.
Treatment of blepharitis
In the first place, it is essential to go to the ophthalmologist's office to make an adequate diagnosis at the moment in which it is suspected that there may be blepharitis.
To detect the presence of blepharitis, the ophthalmologist performs a detailed examination of the patient's eyes and eyelids. In this way, he will be able to detect which is the most appropriate treatment for each case.
When it comes to treating this condition, there are different options. We explain them below:
eyelid rub
Consists in rub the eyelid gently to remove the biofilm and excess bacteria that appears on the edges of the eyelid.
In addition, it is common for the ophthalmologist to recommend use warm compresses daily, as it also helps eliminate both bacteria and Demodex mites.
The palpebral cleansing guideline may include the use of specific wipes for the eyelids, prescription products: champu for babies diluted in water.
Procedures in consultation
Although the eye rub is usually an effective solution, sometimes the treatment of blepharitis requires Procedures performed in the office.
Among them, the following should be highlighted:
- thermal pulsation, to dissolve and channel the material that is obstructing the Meibomian glands.
- electromechanical debridement of the eyelid margin, so that bacteria, Demodex mites and the biofilm of the eyelid disappear. It also seeks to unclog the Meibomian glands.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), to eliminate the obstruction of the glands of the eyelids and return the usual flow of oils to the tear film.
drops and creams
The ophthalmologist can prescribe topical medications to remove excess bacteria and other microbes from the eyelid. These medications are indicated, above all, in case the blepharitis is accompanied by conjunctivitis or some other type of eyelid infection.
