Blepharitis

July 15, 2021Articles

Eyelids are the folds of skin that cover your eyes and protect them from debris and injury. Eyelids have lashes with short, curved hair follicles on the edge of the lids. These follicles contain oil glands. There oil glands can sometimes become clogged or irritated, which can trigger certain eyelid disorders. One of these disorders is known as Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation .It usually affects both eyes along the edges of the eyelids.

Difference in normal and diseased part of eye

Blepharitis is often a chronic condition that’s difficult to treat. It can be uncomfortable and unsightly. But it usually doesn’t cause permanent damage to your eyesight, and it’s not contagious.
Types –
There are two types of eyelid inflammation –
• Anterior eye inflammation
It occurs on the outside of your eye where your eyelashes are located. Dandruff on your eyebrows and allergic reactions in your eyes can cause anterior eyelid inflammation.
• Posterior eyelid inflammation
It occurs on the inner edge of eyelids closest to your eye. A malfunctioning oil gland behind your eyelash follicles usually causes this form of inflammation.
Symptoms –

Blepharitis signs and symptoms typically get to worse in the morning. They include –
• Red, swollen eyelids
• Red, watery eyes
• A gritty, burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Eyelids that appear greasy
• Flaking of the skin around the eyes
• Itchy eyelids
• Crusted eyelashes
• Eyelid sticking
• More frequent blinking
• Blurred vision that usually improves with blinking
• Sensitivity to light
Causes –
The exact cause of blepharitis is not clear. In some cases, it can spread to another person. It might be associated with one or more of the following –
• Seborrheic dermatitis – dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
• Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelids
• Rosacea – a skin condition characterized by facial redness
• Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens solutions or eye makeup
• Infection with a virus
• Hormone problems
• Eyelash mites or lice
• Dry eyes
Complications –

The eyelid inflammation can cause following complications –
• Eyelashes problems such as eyelashes to fall out, grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes) or lose color.
• Eyelid skin problems such as scarring, eyelid edges might turn inward or outward.
• Excess tearing or dry eyes where tear film which keeps eyelids moist becomes abnormal due to abnormal oily secretions and other debris, irritate your eyes and make them excessive teary or dry.
• Stye is a painful lump on the edge of your eyelid. It is usually most visible on the surface of the eyelid.
• Chalazion is a hard, non tender bump at the margin of the eyelid, just behind the eyelashes.
• Chronic pink eyes is recurrent bouts of conjunctivitis due to blepharitis.
• Injury to the cornea due to constant irritation from inflamed eyelids or misdirected eyelashes.
Diagnosis –
• Examination of eyes
Examination is done by doctor with the help of special magnifying instrument for eyelids and eyes.
• Swabbing skin of eyelid
In certain cases, your doctor might use a swab to collect a sample of the oil or crust that forms on your eyelid to analyze for bacteria, fungi or evidence of an allergy.
Treatment –
Warm compresses can help soften crust and loosen oily debris. Follow these steps –
• Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot)water.
• Wring it out and place it over your closed eyelids for 5 minutes.
• Wet it again as necessary to keep it warm
Cleaning your eyelids also ease symptoms.Just follow these steps –
• Make a solution that’s half baby shampoo and half water. Put a clean cloth over your index fryer and dip it into the mixture.
• Close one eye. Gently rub the washcloth over your eye Iashes and the edge of your lids for about 30 seconds to loosen clogged oil. Apply light pressure along your eyelashes to squeeze out clogged oils from the glands behind your lashes.
• Rinse thoroughly with a clean, warm, wet washcloth. Pat dry. Then do the other eye.
Depending on the cause of your blepharitis, doctor might recommend-
• Artificial tears
• Antibiotics, either as an ointment, drops or a spray for your eyes or as pills
• Antiviral drugs
Ayurvedic Perspective –
Blepharitis is explained in Ayurveda under the term Abhishyanda. According to Ayurveda, the eyes are a hot or pitta organ thatcan be aggravated towards the end of summer.Theconcept of pitta imbalance presenting as dry or irritated eyes is well understood in Ayurveda. However, instead of using a detergent to attempt to scrub the lacrimal ducts, Ayurveda used oil to rejuvenate the eyes and being them back into balance.
▪︎Ghee, or clarified butter, is a cooling oil that is ideal for addressing this pitta imbalance and the appearance of dry, fatigued eyes.
▪︎Triphla Powder eyewash is generally best as a rejuvenation of the eyes and a quick stimulating flush.
▪︎Apply a compress of equal parts raw Honey & Turmeric the eyelid. Apply a hot water bottle keep it warm for minutes twice a day.