Blepharitis Flashcards
What is blepharitis?
Inflammation of eyelid margins.
Cause of blepharitis?
1) Dysfunction of the Meibomian glands (common)
2) Seborrhoeic dermatitis/staphylococcal infection (less common)
Blepharitis is also more common in patients with what condition?
Rosacea
Role of the meibomian glands?
Secrete oil onto the surface of the eye to prevent rapid evaporation of the tear film.
Any problem affecting the meibomian glands (as in blepharitis) can hence cause drying of the eyes which in turns leads to irritation.
Clinical features of blephritis?
- gritty, itchy, dry sensation in eyes
- usually bilateral
- eyes may be sticky in the morning
- eyelid margins may be red
- can cause styes and chalazions
- 2ary conjunctivitis may occur
What 2 eye conditions can blepharitis cause?
1) styes
2) chalazions
What are the 2 types of styes?
1) Hordeolum externum
2)Hordeolum internum
What is a hordeolum externum ?
An infection of the glands of Zeis or glands of Moll.
What are the glands of Moll?
sweat glands at the base of the eyelashes
What are the glands of Zeis?
sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes
What is a stye?
a tender red lump along the eyelid that may contain pus.
What is Hordeolum internum?
Infection of the Meibomian glands
They are deeper, tend to be more painful and may point inwards towards the eyeball underneath the eyelid.
Treatment of styes?
1) Hot compresses and analgesia
2) Abx considered if associated with conjunctivitis or if symptoms are persistent
What is a chalazion?
When a Meibomian gland becomes blocked and swells (Meibomian cyst).
How does a chalazion present?
It presents with a swelling in the eyelid that is typically not tender (however, it can be tender and red).