Blepharitis Flashcards
What is blepharitis
Bilateral, chronic inflammation of the lid margins (hair follicles, glands)
What is an anterior blepharitis
Bilateral, chronic inflammation of the skin, eyelashes, associated glands (base of eyelashes)
*less common
What tends to cause anterior blepharitis
Staphylococcal
*S. Aureus, S.epidermidis
Malassezia furfur
*seborrhea dermatitis
What is a posterior blepharitis
Bilateral, chronic inflammation of the meibomian glands at the inner eyelid (+contact with the eyeball)
*more common
What causes posterior blepharitis
- Hyper-kertitinzation of the meibomian gland
- Bacterial infection
- Seborrheic dermatitis
What are the signs of BOTH types of blepharitis
- Excessive tearing
- Gritty sensation
- FB sensation
- Photophobia
- Pink/red eye edema
What are signs of anterior blepharitis (Ulcerative)
- Greasy scales (scurf)
- Granulations clinging to eyelashes
- Lashes fall out
- Ulcerations
- “Red rimmed” eyes
What are signs of posterior blepharitis (squamous)
- Hyperemic eyelid margins with telangiesctasias
- Meibomian glands dilated and plugged with abnl secretions
- Entropion
- Frothy or greasy tears
*may accompany hordeolum or chalazion
What is the tx of anterior blepharitis
- Improve eye lid hygiene
- Warm moist compress
- Light scrubbing daily to remove scales)
- Antibiotic ointment to lid margins
What type of ATB can be used for anterior blepharitis
- Bacitracin
- Erthryomycin
What is the treatment of posterior blepharitis
- Improved eyelid hygiene
- conjunctival inflammation, long term low dose PO ATB
- Consider referral
*corticosteroid eye drops
What is the prognosis of blepharitis
Ocular hygiene
