Blepharitis

Question 1

What is inflammed in blepharitis?

Answer 1

eyelid margins

Question 2

What causes blepharitis?

Answer 2

meibomian gland dysfunction (common, posterior blepharitis)
OR

seborrhoeic dermatitis/ staphylococcal infection
(less common, anterior blepharitis)

Question 3

Blepharitis is more common in patients with what facial skin condition?

Answer 3

Rosacea

Question 4

Role of the meibomian glands and how does this make the eye dry in blepharitis?

Answer 4

secrete oil on to the eye surface to prevent rapid evaporation of the tear film

=> gland dysfunction results in drying of the eyes which leads to irritation

Question 5

Clinical features of blepharitis

Answer 5

• bilateral
• gritty
• sticky in the morning
• red eyelid margins
• Swollen eyelids may be seen in staph. blepharitis
• styes and chalazions are more common
• secondary conjunctivitis

Question 6

Management of blepharitis

Answer 6

hot compresses BD

‘lid hygiene’

artificial tears for dry eyes