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Understanding Blepharitis

Introduction

 

Blepharitis is a common condition that is not sight-threatening, but can be irritating and frustrating to live with if not dealt with effectively.

Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelids. It can affect the eyelash roots and/or the tiny meibomian glands behind the eyelashes.

The signs and symptoms of blepharitis are described in the tabs i-v below. They are often worse in sunlight, a smokey atmosphere, in windy conditions, with prolonged computer usage, sleep deprivation, contact lens wear, with general dehydration and in an air-conditioned environment.

Blepharitis symptoms tends to vary from day to day and week to week – in most patients it does not persist in its most severe form for more than a few months.

 

What Causes Blepharitis?

 

In most patients, the cause is unknown. In anterior blepharitis, excessive bacterial activity may play a role. Posterior blepharitis is more commonly seen among patients with skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis (which causes the skin to become oily or flaky) and rosacea (which causes a the face to appear red and blotchy).

 

Symptoms and Signs of Blepharitis

  • (i)
  • (ii)
  • (iii)
  • (iv)
  • (v)
  • Red, burning, gritty, ‘tired’ or itchy eyelid margins

  • ‘Dry eye’ sensation. 
This occurs because, without adequate oily secretions in the tear film on the surface of the eye, the tear film quickly evaporates.

  • Excessive watering of the eyes. 
An irregular tear film (due again to inadequate oily secretions) can lead to localised areas of dryness on the surface of the eye. This can stimulate excessive production of the watery component of the tears, with patients sometimes describing a very uncomfortable ‘streaming’ of the eyes.

  • Chalazion. 
The ducts which conduct the oils from the meibomian glands to the surface of the eye can become blocked, causing an inflammatory swelling (‘chalazion’ or ‘meibomian cyst’) in response to the gland bursting. Over a few weeks the swelling may disappear.

  • Loss of eyelashes and notching of the eyelid margin. These changes can occur in long-standing disease.

Blepharitis Links

  • Understanding Blepharitis
  • Blepharitis Treatment

About Mr. Karl Whittaker

I graduated from Birmingham University in 1992, and have been an Eye Specialist for almost 20 years.

Following my Ophthalmology Specialist Training, I completed two Fellowships (advanced training) in glaucoma, working with the world-renowned Professor Anthony Molteno in New Zealand and Professor Peter Shah in Birmingham. Thereafter, I undertook a Fellowship in oculoplastic/lacrimal surgery, again in Birmingham. As a result, I am dual-qualified, which allows me to perform a wide range of ophthalmic procedures.

I have been a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the North Devon Healthcare NHS Trust since 2003. In this role, I perform high volume cataract surgery and am the Clinical Lead for the Glaucoma and Oculoplastic/Lacrimal Surgery services.

Practice Location

  • Ophthalmology Department
  • Level 1
  • North Devon District Hospital
  • Barnstaple
  • EX31 4JB

Tel: 07503751349 | 01271 349128
Email: karlwhittaker@devoneyesurgeon.co.uk

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