Blepharitis is a common eye condition characterized by inflamed, scaly, red eyelids. It is caused by bacteria, dandruff, or other skin conditions. There are different types of blepharitis that affect the front or back of the eyelids. Symptoms include gritty or burning eyes, excessive tearing, and eyelid crusting. While blepharitis itself is not sight-threatening, it can lead to permanent eyelid changes if left untreated. Treatment focuses on keeping eyelids clean through warm compresses and scrubbing, with antibiotics or steroids possibly prescribed depending on the underlying cause.

1. By
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Sohag University

2.  Blepharitis is one of the most
common ocular conditions
characterized by inflammation,
scaling, reddening, and crusting of
the eyelid.
 Although blepharitis by itself is not
sight-threatening, it can lead to
permanent alterations of the eyelid
margin.
 Different variations of blepharitis
can be classified as seborrheic,
staphylococcal, mixed, posterior or
meibomitis, or parasitic.

3.  A gritty or burning sensation
in their eyes,
 excessive tearing, itching,
 red and swollen eyelids,
 dry eyes or crusting of the
eyelids.

4.  Hordeolum or stye
 Chalazia  Corneal ulcer
 Conjunctiviti

5.  seborrheic, staphylococcal, mixed, Parasitis
 Meibomitis

6.  Anterior blepharitis occurs at the outside
front edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes
attach.
 Anterior blepharitis is commonly caused by
bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or
dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
(seborrheic blepharitis) or ulcerative
blepharitis.

7.  Staphylococcal blepharitis patients frequently exhibit mildly sticking
eyelids, thickened lid margins, and missing and misdirected eyelashes.

8.  Seborrheic blepharitis patients have greasy flakes or scales around
the base of eyelashes and a mild redness of the eyelids.

9.  Ulcerative blepharitis patients have matted, hard crusts around the eyelashes.
Removing the crusts leaves small sores that ooze and bleed. These patients may
also experience eyelash loss, distortion of the front edges of the eyelids and
chronic tearing.

10.  can occur when the glands of the eyelids irregularly produce oil (meibomian blepharitis). This
creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Posterior blepharitis can also develop
as a result of other skin conditions, such as rosacea and scalp dandruff.

11.  Phthiriasis palpebrarum is the most common eyelid infestation caused
by Phthirus pubis (pubic lice), sometimes referred to as crab lice.

12.  Treatment depends on the type of blepharitis.
 The key to treating most types of blepharitis is keeping the lids
clean and free of crusts.
 Applying warm compresses can loosen the crusts. Then gently
scrub the eyelids with a mixture of water and baby shampoo or
an over-the-counter lid cleansing product.
 In cases involving bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be
prescribed.

13.  Lubricants
 Corticosteroid drops or ointment can be applied several times daily
to the eyelids or ocular surface until the inflammation is reduced.