Blepharitis Flashcards
What is blepharitis?
inflammation of the eyelid margins
What are the three types of blepharitis?
- Staphylococcal
- Seborrheic
- Meibomian
Describe how meibomian dysfunction can cause blepharitis?
the meibomian gland produces meibum oil onto the surface of the eye - without it, the eyelids can become dry and inflamed
What is anterior blepharitis?
Affects the eyelashes - most commonly to seborrheic dermatitis and bacterial infections
What is posterior blepharitis?
affects the meibomian glands. These line the posterior eyelid margin and secrete the lipid part of the tear film
Does blepharitis tender to affect one eye or both?
Both
Does blepharitis tend to be acute or chronic?
chronic
What are the clinical features of blepharitis?
- Burning , itching or crusting on both eyes
- Symptoms are worse in the morning
- recurrent styes
- Flakes may appear on the eyelid
What is the average age of presentation of blepharitis?
50 years old
What are the 2 subcategories for anterior blepharitis?
Staphylococcus blepharitis: pathophysiology remains unclear, but the mechanism is thought to involve damaging effects of bacterial exotoxin production and cell-mediated immunity. Females are more commonly affected than males
Seborrhoeic blepharitis: closely linked with the common skin condition seborrhoeic dermatitis (present in ~95% of people with seborrheic blepharitis). Characterised by less inflammation than staphylococcal blepharitis, but more oily skin and scaling
How do patients with blepharitis present?
Red, swollen, itchy eyes
What is blepharitis exacerbated by?
- Contact lenses
- wind
- Makeup
Give 4 treatments for blepharitits:
1) lid hygiene
2) hot compress
3) massage to remove debris
4) if severe, antibiotic ointments
What antibiotic is typically used to treat blepharitis?
doxycycline
