Blepharitis is a common condition that affects people of all ages and ethnicities, but it tends to be more prevalent in those over the age of 50 and in women. It can be caused by a number of factors, including dandruff, allergies, and rosacea.
When a doctor diagnoses blepharitis, he or she examines the patient’s eyelids and eyes to look for signs of inflammation. This can be done by doing a physical exam or by using a slit lamp, a bright light that helps your doctor see the inside of your eye and the underlying structures of your eyelids.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
The most common blepharitis symptoms include itching, burning, and redness of the eyelids. In addition, the eyelids may become crusted and flaky. Some patients also experience a thick, white or yellow film on the inside of their eyelids and eyelashes. This film may become thicker as the condition gets worse.
Other symptoms can include crusting around the eyelashes, a buildup of flakes in the eyelids, and dry eyes. The condition can be treated by washing the eyelids daily and scrubbing them gently to remove the crusts. If the condition is severe, your doctor can prescribe antibiotic ointment or steroid eye drops.
Causes of Blepharitis
The main cause of blepharitis is increased oil production in the meibomian glands, which are located on the rim of your eyelids. If the glands produce too much oil, it can clog up the tiny drainage channels in the eyelids and prevent the film of tears from evaporating properly. This causes a type of blepharitis called posterior blepharitis, which can be more common in adults than children.
There are many different types of blepharitis. The most common are staphylococcal blepharitis and seborrheic blepharitis, which can both be caused by bacteria. Other types of blepharitis can be the result of a skin condition, such as rosacea or psoriasis. Some patients are prone to getting blepharitis when they have a bacterial infection in other parts of their body, such as their lungs or stomach.
If a patient has a bacterial infection, the doctor will usually take a sample of the bacteria and test it to find out if it is causing blepharitis. This will help your doctor decide if you need antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection.
Surgical removal of the affected area is sometimes needed to treat severe cases of blepharitis. It is a safe procedure that can be performed by an ophthalmologist or an eye care specialist.
In rare cases, blepharitis can damage the cornea. This is rarely the case but can happen if the condition is left untreated for a long time.
What happens during the exam?
During the exam, your doctor will ask you about your blepharitis symptoms and then perform a physical exam of your eyelids and eyes. He or she will examine the eyelids with a slit lamp and use other tools to help determine the exact type of blepharitis.
