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Blepharitis is a common eye disorder causing inflammation of
the lid margins. It has 2 types: anterior and posterior.
In anterior blepharitis the inflammation is located in the eyelid where the
eyelashes are attached. It is commonly caused by bacteria (ulcerative
blepharitis) or it maybe secondary to seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and
eyebrows (squamous blepharitis).
Ulcerative blepharitis is usually caused by staphylococcus aureus. The lid
margins are usually red with appearance of yellow crust which are adherent
to the lid margin. In severe conditions, ulcers develop under the crusts.
There may also be destruction of the hair follicles leading to lost of eye
lashes. In chronic cases, the lid margins thickens and hypertrophies causing
the upper lid to droop down. The conjunctiva and cornea may also be
involved.
In squamous blepharitis the redness is limited to the lid margins which may
be aggravated by exposure to smoke or chemical fumes. Fine flakes adhere to
the eye lashes. These should be removed daily with a clean cotton tip
applicator dipped in a cleaning solution.
Posterior blepharitis is caused by inflammation of the meibomian or oil
glands in the eyelid. There is abnormality in the gland’s secretory function
causing its secretion to be waxlike. The abnormal secretion blocks the gland
openings. Secondary bacterial infection sets in causing inflammation. The
condition is aggravated when the infection seep into deeper tissue layers.
Common signs and symptoms of blepharitis include burning, tearing, foreign
body sensation, and crusting of the lids, lashes, and corners of the eyes.
Warm compress to the eyelids is done to loosen the crusts for its easy
removal and to cleanse secretory passages.
Use a cleaning solution to clean the gland openings and remove any adherent
material. A few drops of baby shampoo on a small amount of water can be
used. After cleansing, an antibiotic ointment is applied to the lid margin
if with bacterial infection
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