The Eyelids They are very delicate structures that serve as a protective barrier to protect the eye from any agent such as dust, mites, sun, bacteria and floating particles.
However, the eyelid is one of the parts of the eye that is most exposed to the outside and, therefore, it is more prone to contracting infections that trigger its inflammation.
One of the diseases associated with the eyelids is blepharitis, a condition that causes inflammation and redness and usually affects mainly the area where the eyelids grow. tabs.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain below what is blepharitis and what types exist.
What is blepharitis?
La Blepharitis It is the inflammation of the eyelids, usually occurs in both eyelids and mainly affects the area where the eyelashes grow.
It is a chronic disorder that is difficult to treat, but does not compromise vision or is contagious.
Generally, blepharitis is a product of obstruction of the meibomian glands, which are very close to the eyelashes and are responsible for producing the fat that lubricates the eye.
However, there are other conditions and diseases that can cause blepharitis.
Types of blepharitis
Before diagnosing or prescribing treatment for this condition, it is important to identify the type of blepharitis which is causing the inconvenience.
Blepharitis can be classified as follows:
anterior blepharitis
This type of blepharitis affects the outer part of the eyelid edge and can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection or skin diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea.
Anterior blepharitis is one of the main causes of ectropion y entropion.
Posterior blepharitis
La posterior blepharitis it affects the inner zone of the edge of the eyelid and is caused by the obstruction of the Meibomian glands.
This type of blepharitis can cause scabs on the eyelids and swelling of the eyelid edge.
mixed blepharitis
In this type of blepharitis, the internal and external eyelid edge (anterior and posterior) becomes inflamed at the same time, either in equal or different degrees.
Excess secretion in the posterior eyelid causes infection and accumulation of bacteria in the anterior part of the eyelid.
Squamous blepharitis
This type of blepharitis is easily identified by the formation of scales in the birth zone of the eyelashes.
In addition, the eye has inflammation, redness, tearing and need to rub the eyes.
Ulcerative or Staphylococcal Blepharitis
This type of blepharitis is characterized by the suppuration and formation of pustules in the eyelash follicles that can rupture and form superficial ulcers and is commonly known as acute blepharitis.
During sleep, the scabs that form can be stuck between both eyelids and the separation of them can generate wounds and the abnormal formation of eyelashes in both types: trichiasis o dystrichiasis.
seborrheic blepharitis
Excessive accumulation of sebum on the eyelid edges triggers seborrheic blepharitis which, in general, cause itching, redness and accumulation of lipids in the lacrimal area.
Allergic blepharitis
La swelling of the eyelids It can occur in both the anterior and posterior eyelids. The allergic blepharitis It is a reaction of the body to agents associated with allergies such as dust and pollen.
Causes
Our principales causes of blepharitis are:
- Seborrheic dermatitis with evident presence in scalp and eyebrows.
- Bacterial infection
- Obstruction or malfunction of the Meibomian glands.
- Rosacea, dermatological disease characterized by abnormal redness of certain areas of the skin.
- Allergy to external environmental factors such as smoke, gases, dust or pollen. Contact allergies to substances, medications, makeup, etc.
- Mites in the eyelashes like the demodex.
Symptom
Blepharitis is a condition that causes very annoying symptoms and its chronic property causes that, although the discomfort calms down, it seems again over time.
The symptoms of blepharitis are:
- Burning eyes.
- Itchy eyelids
- Need to rub your eyelids.
- Red eyes y teary.
- Sensation of having a foreign body inside the eye.
Blepharitis treatment
The treatment of blepharitis will depend on the cause that is triggering the symptoms and inflammation.
It is important for the ophthalmologist to evaluate the eyes to determine the best treatment based on the patient's symptoms.
The treatment of blepharitis You can contemplate the following actions:
- Gently rub the eyelid with warm compresses to remove bacteria and mites present in the eyelids. The eyelid can be cleaned with special products, wipes or champu for babies.
- Electromechanical debridement of the eyelid edge to eliminate pathogens and unclog meibomian glands.
- Radio frequency to dissolve the material that covers the Meibomian glands.
- Therapy with Pulsed lightAs thermaeye, to unblock the glands and resume the correct flow of lipids to the tear film.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of blepharitis. Do you need an appointment? Contact us and we will assist you as soon as possible!
