Treatment of blepharitis and prevention of the development of eye disease

Inflammation of the eyelids is called ocular blepharitis. The disease causes discomfort to the patient. The eyes hurt, there is itching, burning in the eyelid area, and the quality of vision decreases. Many people believe that the disease is not serious and special therapy is not required.

However, this opinion is erroneous, since in the case of the infectious nature of the process, the pathogen is able to penetrate into deeper tissues and cause damage to other structures of the eye. What to do and how to treat eyelid disease, and the prevention of blepharitis will be discussed further.

What is this

After diagnosis, I am often asked, what is blepharitis? This condition occurs when the edges of the eyelids become affected by an infection caused by bacteria, viruses or even mites.

With blepharitis, many patients report difficulty opening their eyes in the morning. This is due to the fact that during the night a secretion is released from the eyelids affected by blepharitis, which hardens on the eyelashes.

As a rule, pathology is spoken of as a chronic disease. However, there are two types:

•                 Simple blepharitis;
  
•                 Acute blepharitis.
  

Blepharitis can occur in children, but the main risk group includes adults aged 40-70 years. The disease is difficult to treat and takes a long time. Moreover, if the patient manages to achieve positive results, then the risk of relapse of the disease is high.

The pathology proceeds slowly, affecting not only the outer edge of the eyelid, but also its inner side. Doctors note that the disease affects a person at a time when immunity is reduced and cannot protect against pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

One of the provocateurs of the development of the disease is considered to be a mite that lives under the skin - demodex. This parasite can be found in any person and is not dangerous, but its activity is suppressed by the immune system.

When an allergy or inflammatory process occurs in the eyelid area, the acid-base balance is first disturbed. The mite becomes active and provokes blepharitis. Changes in the eyelids are accompanied by a decrease in local immunity, and bacteria that were previously in a dormant state can become active.

As a result, inflammation increases. Both eyelids are affected, which leads to a vicious circle of disease.

Many people are interested in the question: is blepharitis contagious or not? This is especially true when the disease affects a child. You need to understand that pathology develops only with weakened immunity and the presence of pathogenic bacteria. The disease is not caused by any particular type of bacteria. Therefore, any pathogen that causes an inflammatory process can act as a pathogenic flora:

•                 Demodex;
•                 Staphylococcus;
•                 Streptococcus and others. Thus, although blepharitis is sometimes caused by an infection, the disease is not highly contagious. At the same time, the infectious agent can be transmitted through personal hygiene items, by contact, and can be activated by decreased immunity, stress and exposure to adverse environmental factors.

Kinds

I often hear questions about the types of this disease. Medicine knows many types of blepharitis, with different symptoms and external manifestations.

In this case, the symptoms depend on what caused the development of the disease. Chronic blepharitis occurs over a long period of time and in waves. At the same time, periods when it seems that the disease has receded are not excluded.

However, then an exacerbation of the pathology occurs. Doctors note that the acute stage of blepharitis is a rare occurrence.

There is a certain classification of the disease:

1.               According to where the source of the pathology is located:

•                 Simple blepharitis, which affects only the outer part of the eyelid. In this case, inflammatory processes occur along the edge of the eyelid or in the eyelash bags.
•                 Posterior view of blepharitis. This inflammation is also called internal. In this case, the process occurs on the inside of the eyelid.
•                 Angular or angular blepharitis. Both eyes are typically affected.
  

•                 Herpetic blepharitis. This is a type of viral blepharitis. With such blepharitis, the provocateur of the development of unpleasant symptoms is the herpes virus.
  
•                 Demodectic blepharitis. The causative agent is the subcutaneous demodex mite.
  
•                 The allergic type of disease develops against the background of allergies.
  

1.               Form of the inflammatory process:

•                 Seborrheic blepharitis. It is often called scaly blepharitis. Symptoms: severe itching on the edges of the eyelids, peeling of the skin.
  
•                 Meibomian blepharitis. The inflammatory process forms in the sebaceous glands, which are called meibomian glands.
  
•                 Ulcerative blepharitis. The eyelids turn red, swelling appears, and purulent crusts form. When these crusts come off, ulcers form in their place.
  
•             Rosacea or acne blepharitis. Here, the clinical picture, in addition to the inflammatory process, is complemented by a rash on the eyelid. In this case, acne has a pink or grayish-red tint.

ICD 10

In the international classification of diseases, blepharitis is assigned the following ICD code - 10:

•                 H01.0 – simple blepharitis. However, blepharoconjunctivitis is excluded from this code and classified as a separate disease.
•                 Blepharitis ICD H01.1 - this section includes diseases caused by non-infectious factors: allergies, contact with a patient, eczematous. This also includes lupus and xeroderma.
•                 H01.8 – other specified inflammatory processes occurring on the eyelid.
•                 H01.9 – unspecified pathologies of the eyelid associated with its inflammation.

Prevention

In order for the positive results after therapy to last for a long time, preventive measures should be taken. This will also help protect against infection.

If your vision deteriorates or has minor problems with it, you should immediately consult a doctor, since constant muscle tension with uncorrected low vision can lead to the development of simple scaly blepharitis.

Problems with the digestive tract can also cause a decrease in the body's protective functions, which leads to the activation of the subcutaneous mite and the development of demodectic blepharitis.

Treatment should not be delayed so as not to provoke the development of consequences, which often lead to decreased vision.

Viral blepharitis is no less dangerous. The inflammatory process in this case extends not only to the outer side of the eyelid. The inner part of the eyelid is also affected.

The eye swells, turns red and reacts painfully to light.

If the disease is neglected, small ulcers will gradually begin to form in the corners of the eyelids, which will lead to a significant decrease in the patient’s quality of life.

In case of a fungal process, antibiotics and medications are used for treatment, the action of which is aimed at combating fungi. Anti-tick medications and anti-inflammatory drugs are also used.

An ophthalmologist is responsible for prescribing adequate treatment and establishing a diagnosis. In this case, the factors that provoked the development of the disease are taken into account.

 ophthalmologist Kuryanova Irina Valentinovna

 27.05.2019 10:13

Source: https://oftalmologia.su/blefarit/

Blepharitis: what it is, symptoms and treatment in adults

Blepharitis is a pathology in which inflammation of the edges of the eyelids is observed. This inflammation is uncomfortable, affects vision and causes pain, itching and burning.

With blepharitis, the eye as a whole may remain unchanged, which often leads to the misconception that the disease is trivial and does not require treatment.

In fact, this is not the case, and over a long period of time, the eyes are exposed to constant infection, which can cause significant problems, including deterioration of vision.

Blepharitis of the eye: what is it?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edges of the eyelids caused by a bacterial infection. It is difficult to open your eyes in the morning because the pus blinds your eyelashes overnight. Blepharitis is characterized by a chronic course, although both chronic and acute forms are distinguished.

The prevalence of this disease among people is very high (approximately 30%). The disease can affect children, but nevertheless, the maximum peak incidence is observed in the age group from 40 to 70 years.

Blepharitis can occur as a result of diseases occurring in the body that are not related to the eyes, as well as due to a reduced level of its protective forces. Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner can lead to serious complications, such as keratitis, which will require hospital treatment

According to the localization of inflammation, they are distinguished:

• anterior marginal - mild form, damage to the eyelids only along the ciliary edge;
• posterior marginal - deeper inflammation affecting the meibomian glands;
• angular (angular) - inflammatory lesion with typical localization in the corners of the eyes.

Based on the clinical course of the eye disease, blepharitis can occur in the following ways:

• simple form;
• seborrheic, also known as scaly type (usually accompanying seborrheic dermatitis);
• ulcerative or staphylococcal blepharitis (ostiofolliculitis);
• demodectic inflammation of the eyelids;
• allergic form;
• acne or rosacea-blepharitis;
• and finally, a mixed version.

Causes

Usually the disease is caused by an infectious (bacteria, fungi, mites) or allergic agent. Blepharitis can be caused by various reasons, but whatever the immediate cause of inflammation of the eyelid, reduced immunity, as a result of recent or existing general diseases, is of paramount importance in the development of blepharitis.

Possible reasons:

• Long lasting stye of the eyelid;
• Allergic conditions, anemia and vitamin deficiency;
• Application of cosmetics (mascara);
• Prolonged exposure to the sun, in dusty rooms;
• Astigmatism, myopia, farsightedness;
• Demodicosis of the eyelids;
• Diseases of the digestive system;
• Autoimmune lesions caused by chronic foci of inflammation: carious teeth, sinusitis, inflammation of the genitourinary system.

The main cause of blepharitis in children is Staphylococcus aureus (when the body is weakened). Less commonly, pathology develops due to factors such as:

• hypothermia;
• getting dust and other mechanical particles into the eyes;
• high load on the nervous system;
• physical stress;
• infectious diseases;
• reduced immunity;
• diabetes;
• metabolic disorders;
• helminthic infestations;
• allergy;
• chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract).

Blepharitis can also occur due to negative environmental influences (increased levels of dust and smoke in the air, prolonged exposure to chemical compounds in the atmosphere).

Symptoms of blepharitis (photo)

It is immediately worth noting that no matter what particular form of the disease described has developed in the patient. He will always experience typical symptoms of eye blepharitis, which include such manifestations as:

• rapid fatigue of the organ of vision;
• increased sensitivity of the eye to irritants (for example, light or wind);
• eyelids turn red, swell and itch;
• blurred vision, which is associated with the constantly forming tear film;
• eye discharge appears, leading to plaque on the eyelids and sticking of eyelashes.

Secondary signs of pathology with impaired blood supply are:

• photophobia;
• objects appearing double;
• swelling;
• prominent foaming secretion in the corners of the eyes;
• falling out eyelashes;
• profuse tears;
• accumulation of inflammatory crusts.

In the morning hours, the patient's symptoms are clearly expressed in a large accumulation of pus, gluing the eyelids. The only way to help open the eyelids is by rinsing.

Please note: symptoms may not occur all the time; periods of remission (improvement) often alternate with exacerbations.

Infectious (ulcerative) blepharitis

The entry of microorganisms into wounds that are invisible to the eye can lead to their proliferation and damage to surrounding tissues. The following symptoms appear:

• Sensation of sand in the eyes, burning, redness of the eyelids, purulent discharge from the eye, sticking of the edges of the eyelids after sleep.
• Purulent crusts appear on the edges of the eyelids.

Allergic blepharitis

This form is very characterized by alternating exacerbations and states of complete health. Symptoms of the disease, contrary to popular belief, do not appear when a person first encounters an allergen.

At this moment, only its “recognition” and “memorization” occurs as a potentially harmful substance. After which, within 1.5-2 weeks, the production of inflammatory proteins (IgM antibodies) occurs.

There are many factors that cause allergic blepharitis. The most common of them are:

• House dust;
• Cosmetic products containing an allergen (mascara, eye shadow, etc.);
• Hygiene products containing an irritant (soap, etc.);
• Unsuitable skin products (lotions, creams, milks, etc.);
• Pollen;
• Chemical irritants.

This type of disease differs from other types of blepharitis in its sudden onset associated with the penetration of an allergen into the body. In this case, the following clinical picture is observed:

• Redness and swelling of the eyelids.
• Sensation of “sand”, burning in the eyes.
• Reaction to bright light, lacrimation.
• Discharge of mucus from under the eyelashes.
• Unbearable itching.
• Darkening of the edge of the eyelids, called allergic bruising.

Squamous blepharitis

A characteristic symptom of the scaly form of blepharitis is the appearance of small brown-grayish scales, similar to dandruff, along the edges of the eyelids and at the roots of the eyelashes. Moreover, these dead particles of the epidermis cling very tightly to the skin.

The edges of the eyelids turn red and thickening appears on them. The disease is accompanied by itching, which intensifies in the evening. The eyes quickly get tired and become sensitive to external irritants: dust, wind, bright light.

Demodectic blepharitis

Demodectic blepharitis is manifested by redness and thickening of the edges of the eyelids, the presence of scales, crusts, and white muffs on the eyelashes. The mite settles in the lumens of the meibomian glands and eyelash follicles. Among the symptoms:

• Intense itching of the eyelids, worse in warmth.
• Rapid eye fatigue, redness, foamy discharge at the edges of the eyelids.

Meibomian

Meibomian blepharitis is the result of chronic blepharitis, which is characterized by blockage of the meibomian (eyelid edge) and sebaceous glands. In this case, the formation of a transparent secretion is noted, which cannot flow freely from the clogged glands, since they are inflamed. Bubbles with secretory fluid resolve after some time.

Signs of the development of eye pathology are:

• Condensed edges of the eyelids.
• Painful sensations in the eyelid area, burning, itching.
• Swelling and slight swelling of the affected eyelids.
• Rapid eye fatigue with normal visual load.
• Decreased visual acuity, development of photophobia in some cases.

Acne blepharitis (rosacea)

Acne blepharitis is often combined with acne. Characterized by motley rashes on the skin of the eyelids. Pimples take on a scarlet hue. The disease rarely occurs in isolation. More often it is combined with conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, chalazion or hordeolum (stye).

Angular

It is characterized by inflammatory processes in the corners of the palpebral fissure. At the same time, foamy contents accumulate in the corners of the eyes. The eyelids in the corners of the eyes thicken, cracks and ulcers appear on them. This disease often occurs in teenagers.

Complications

If eye blepharitis is not treated, the following complications may occur:

• chalazion;
• chronic conjunctivitis;
• barley;
• corneal injury;
• keratitis;
• improper eyelash growth;
• scarring of eyelid tissue;
• deformation of the edge of the eyelid;
• development of abscesses;
• Difficulty using contact lenses;
• excessive tearing;
• dryness of the mucous membrane of the eye.

Diagnostics

If the patient seeks medical help in a timely manner and strictly follows the recommendations of the attending physician, then, as a rule, recovery occurs quite quickly.

For a specialist, making a diagnosis is not difficult.

To do this, you only need a medical history and simple diagnostic procedures, such as external examination and biomicroscopy (examination using a microscope).

If a bacterial infection is suspected, a swab is taken from the surface of the conjunctiva and bacteriological culture is carried out in order to detect a specific pathogen and determine its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs.

Treatment of blepharitis

Treatment of eye blepharitis is usually conservative. It takes a long time and usually requires an integrated approach taking into account causal factors.

General principles of treatment of blepharitis:

• antibacterial drugs in the form of ointments and solutions;
• sulfonamides;
• antiseptics;
• antihistamines;
• glucocorticosteroids;
• vitamin therapy;
• good nutrition;
• increasing immunity;
• autohemotherapy for persistent disease;
• elimination of concomitant diseases.

Treatment of blepharitis is carried out taking into account its occurrence, development, type and is based on three important principles:

1. Using warm compresses to improve fluid outflow from the inflamed area. Herbal remedies are used, napkins heated to a warm temperature, towels applied to the eyelids. It is recommended to do compresses three times a day to obtain positive effectiveness.
2. Mandatory cleansing of the eyelids with a few drops of shampoo for children, which does not sting the eyes, dissolved in water. The mixture helps eliminate desquamated epithelium, crusts, and dirt. Rinse carefully so as not to put pressure on the eyelids or irritate the mucous membrane.
3. Application to the edge of the eyelids in case of bacterial infection of targeted ointments. Bacteria are fought with the help of tetracycline, erythromycin, bacitracin eye ointments, indicated for use by an ophthalmologist.

If external eye treatment is ineffective, additional antibiotic tablets will be prescribed.

The following drugs are also widely used:

• Ofloxacin (drops);
• Ciprofloxacin (drops);
• Maxitrol (ointment containing polymyxin B and neomycin).

If the disease develops against the background of influenza, colds, or other viral infections, ophthalmologists recommend antiviral agents - actipol, ophthalmoferon, poludan. Drops should be used by people with symptoms of chronic blepharitis for prevention in winter and spring.

Physiotherapeutic treatments help speed up the healing process. For blepharitis use:

• electrophoresis with antibiotics and vitamins;
• UHF therapy;
• UV therapy;
• magnetotherapy.

Blepharitis is a recurrent pathology. The effectiveness of treatment depends on regular eyelid hygiene and adequate drug therapy. However, even this does not exclude periodic exacerbations.

Folk remedies

1. Corn oil - boil the oil and cool, lubricate the eyelids 2-3 times a day, you can alternate using burdock oil and rosehip oil. Vegetable oils are especially effective for seborrheic blepharitis.
2. Bay leaf decoction - pour 250.0 ml of boiling water over 12 leaves and boil for 3 minutes.

   Then apply the broth to sterile swabs and apply to the eyelids for 15-20 minutes. This method is effective for allergic blepharitis.

3. To get rid of the tearing that accompanies this disease, drops from a decoction of cumin or plantain come to the rescue. Decoctions of cornflower and eyebright flowers can be used for the same purpose. Instillation is carried out before bedtime and immediately after waking up.

4. Burdock oil, which should be applied to the edges of the eyelids before bed, is very helpful in the treatment of seborrheic blepharitis.
5. You can drop an aqueous solution of honey into your eyes. This solution contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
6. An infusion of thyme or calendula flowers with chamomile has worked well.

   The latter remedy can be used in the fight against the infection that caused the inflammatory process.

Prevention

To prevent the disease from appearing again, it is necessary to carry out the prevention of blepharitis, which consists of the following:

• hygiene: own towel, handkerchief;
• do not touch your eyes with dirty hands;
• personal belongings of a patient with demodectic blepharitis should be kept separately from common things: pillow, towel;
• strengthening the immune system;
• timely treatment of infectious diseases.

Blepharitis is a rather unpleasant disease that causes a lot of inconvenience to a person. It can be very difficult to cure; it cannot be done without an integrated approach.

Source: http://www.zdoroviyvopros.ru/oftalmologiya/blefarit/

Blepharitis of the eye: types of disease and treatment methods

Blepharitis refers to a whole complex of ophthalmological diseases that are associated with inflammation of the eyelids. There are several types of this pathology, and they differ in causes and methods of treatment, but the features of the course of the disease largely coincide.

If a person has been diagnosed with blepharitis, you should definitely pay attention to the state of his health. The appearance of this pathology may indicate that immune forces are significantly reduced. That is why, if signs of this disease appear, you need to undergo a full examination .

Causes of blepharitis development

This pathology can be caused by a variety of reasons. The most common ones include the following:

1. Damage to the skin of the eyelids by demodex mites. Many people have these parasites, and they live in hair follicles, on the surface of the skin, and in the sebaceous glands. If immunity decreases, mites begin to actively multiply and as a result end up on the skin of the eyelids. This is why demodectic blepharitis develops.
2. Increased sensitivity to certain irritants. Such substances include dust, animal hair, pollen, and cosmetics. In this case, a person experiences allergic blepharitis, which is often accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. Certain diseases contribute to allergization of the body - gastritis, diabetes, cholecystitis.
3. Eye muscle tension. Blepharitis often appears in people suffering from farsightedness who do not use glasses. Constantly tense muscles often get tired, a person experiences a certain discomfort, which is why he rubs his eyes with his hands. It is for this reason that infection occurs, contributing to the development of blepharitis.
4. Infection through the lymphatic or bloodstream. In this case, the source of infection can be chronic tonsillitis, caries and other diseases.
5. Poor hygiene. This is the most common cause of blepharitis in children.
6. Parasitic infection. This cause of blepharitis also most often occurs in childhood.

Red eyes are a common symptom. We will learn how to properly treat eye inflammation and recognize the disease in time.

Read about the dangers of retinal detachment here.

In children, this disease is accompanied by redness, irritation and swelling of the eyelids. Sometimes small scabs, sores or scabs may appear. Most often, two forms of the disease are detected in childhood ulcerative and non-ulcerative blepharitis .

In the first case, the cause of the disease is an infection in the glands of the tonsils or eyelash follicles. Non-ulcerative blepharitis can cause seborrheic dermatitis, lice, and allergic reactions.

Forms of the disease and characteristic symptoms

Common symptoms of this disease include the following:

• Thickening and feeling of heaviness of the eyelids.
• Itching in the eyes.
• Swelling and redness of the eyelids.
• Rapid eye fatigue.
• Loss of eyelashes, their abnormal growth.
• The appearance of scales on the eyelashes.
• High sensitivity to various irritants and bright light.

This disease is not classified as contagious. However, if a person is diagnosed with demodectic blepharitis , it is recommended to keep his personal belongings separate from those of other family members, since there is a risk of infection with dangerous mites .

In addition to the general symptoms, each type of blepharitis is characterized by symptoms that are unique to it. In medicine, the following types of this disease are distinguished:

1. Demodectic blepharitis. This disease is caused by demodex mites. The main signs of this pathology are itching, thickening and redness of the eyelids.

   The waste products of mites, as well as the secretion of the sebaceous glands, can accumulate between the eyelashes. The formation of scales occurs in the interciliary space.

2. Chronic blepharitis. Staphylococcus aureus often leads to the development of this pathology. This disease is accompanied by loss of eyelashes, itching in the eyes, and swelling of the eyelids. The eyes become watery and get tired quickly.

3. Allergic blepharitis. This disease can occur in a person who has increased sensitivity to various allergens - fluff, pollen, cosmetics, etc.

   In this case, the eyelids swell, tear production increases, discomfort occurs in bright light, and a feeling of pain and itching appears in the eyes.

4. Scaly blepharitis. This form of the disease is characterized by thickening of the eyelid margins and hyperemia. In this case, scales are formed at the base of the eyelashes, which have a high adhesion density, and therefore they are not removed on their own.

5. Meibomian blepharitis. This disease is associated with a violation of secretory metabolism. Due to insufficient secretion of secretions in the glands of the eyelid, hypersecretion may develop.

6. Ulcerative blepharitis. This pathology is accompanied by inflammation, which is characterized by the formation of ulcers and pus along the edge of the eyelids. Chronic staphylococcal infection leads to the ulcerative form of the disease.

   Yellow scabs may appear at the base of the eyelashes, and ulcers develop underneath them. After the wounds heal, scars appear in their place.

   In severe cases, all eyelashes may fall out, and the front eyelid becomes covered with wrinkles.

7. Angular blepharitis. This form of the disease is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process in the corners of the palpebral fissure. Moreover, foamy contents accumulate in the corners of the eyes. The eyelids in these places thicken, ulcers and cracks form on them.

   Most often, this disease is diagnosed in adolescents.

Blepharitis Treatment Methods

The choice of any treatment method depends on the cause of the development of this disease. First of all, it is recommended to pay attention to the fight against the underlying disease and at the same time you can treat the inflammatory process on the eyelids.

Traditional treatment

Typically, treatment for blepharitis involves three stages.

1. To begin with, warm compresses - this procedure allows you to warm up the glands of the eyelid and quickly clean the excretory ducts. The compress must be applied three to four times a day. It should be kept for five to ten minutes.
2. Then the edges of the eyelids need to be cleared of pathological discharge. This procedure is carried out using a gauze napkin, which is moistened in water with a solution of baby shampoo.
3. Finally, an antibacterial eye ointment is applied to the edges of the eyelids - this can be bacitracin, tetracycline, or erythromycin. Sometimes short courses of combined ointments are prescribed, which contain antibacterial and corticosteroid components.

Severe forms of blepharitis are treated with an antibiotic in tablet form. In the case of demodectic blepharitis, antiparasitic drugs are also prescribed.

Eyelid massage

Eyelid massage is quite effective for blepharitis. To perform this procedure, you need to take a cotton swab, soak it with synthomycin emulsion and stroke your closed eyelids with it for two minutes. This massage should be performed every two to three days .

You can also find two points the width of your thumb, which are located above the middle of the eyebrows, as well as two points on the temples, located below the end of the eyebrows. The points above the eyebrows need to be massaged, squeezing them strongly, and the points on the temples need to be pressed lightly.

Folk remedies

In the treatment of blepharitis, traditional medicine methods are also very effective, which can be used as an additional remedy in addition to the main therapy. Compresses made from infusions of medicinal plants, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, are very

For example, an infusion of calendula is effective - this plant not only alleviates the human condition, but also helps heal wounds on the eyelids.

You can also use the following recipes:

1. Take a tablespoon of celandine, pour 200 g of boiling water and leave for twenty minutes. Apply lotions to closed eyelids three times a day. You need to keep the compress for ten to fifteen minutes.
2. Fresh red clover inflorescences need to be crushed using a blender. Squeeze the juice out of the resulting pulp and drop it into your eyes, three drops at a time. This should be done once a day. The gruel can be used for compresses.
3. An excellent remedy is also to massage the eyelids with a tampon soaked in corn oil. This procedure should be repeated three times a day.

Immunostimulating therapy has also proven itself to be excellent. A person suffering from blepharitis should take vitamins as prescribed by a doctor - this will strengthen the body's defenses. Vitamins A and E are very useful in this case, they promote epithelial regeneration and improve hair growth.

Visual acuity decreases after fifty, due to macular degeneration of the retina.

You can read about the symptoms of chronic blepharitis in this review.

How to treat glaucoma with drops https://www.help-eyes.ru/zabolevanie/glaukoma/glk-kak-lechit.html

Prognosis and prevention

With systematic treatment, the prognosis is favorable, although this disease has a rather protracted course. Relapses can often occur.

Staphylococcal blepharitis is especially difficult to treat, which causes the development of chalazions, styes, chronic conjunctivitis, keratitis, and trichiasis.

In acute blepharitis, it is most often possible to achieve a positive effect from treatment, but sometimes a chronic form of the disease can develop . When it worsens, discomfort and cosmetic defects occur, but, as a rule, there is no scarring of the cornea or loss of vision.

As a preventative measure for this disease, it is recommended to follow basic hygiene rules. You cannot wipe your face with someone else’s towel, use someone else’s handkerchiefs, or rub your eyes with dirty hands.

If anyone in the family suffers from demodectic blepharitis, their personal belongings should be kept separately. It is also not recommended to lie on the pillow of an infected person.

Blepharitis of the eye is a fairly serious disease, characterized by a protracted clinical course and very unpleasant symptoms. That is why, if any signs of this pathology appear, you should consult a doctor who will be able to select adequate treatment.

Source: https://help-eyes.ru/zabolevanie/blefarit/blf-glaz.html

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a bilateral recurrent inflammation of the ciliary edge of the eyelids. Blepharitis is manifested by redness and swelling of the edges of the eyelids, a feeling of heaviness and itching of the eyelids, increased sensitivity to bright light, rapid eye fatigue, abnormal growth and loss of eyelashes. In the diagnosis of blepharitis, the leading role is played by external examination of the eyelids, determination of visual acuity, biomicroscopy, bacteriological culture, and examination of eyelashes for demodex. Treatment of blepharitis is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease and, as a rule, includes conservative measures (toilet of the eyelids, massage of the eyelids, instillation of eye drops, application of ointments, etc.).

The prevalence of blepharitis in the population is quite high - about 30%. Blepharitis can develop in children, but the peak incidence occurs between 40 and 70 years of age.

In ophthalmology, blepharitis constitutes a large group of etiologically heterogeneous inflammatory diseases of the eyelids, accompanied by damage to their ciliary edges, which have a recurrent course and are difficult to treat.

Severe and persistent blepharitis can lead to the formation of chalazion, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blurred vision.

Blepharitis

The development of blepharitis can be due to a variety of reasons. Infectious blepharitis is caused by bacteria (epidermal and Staphylococcus aureus), fungi, mites; non-infectious - allergic agents, ophthalmological diseases.

The leading cause of infectious blepharitis is a staphylococcal infection that affects the hair follicles of the eyelashes.

The occurrence of blepharitis is predisposed by the presence of chronic foci of infection in the tonsils (tonsillitis), paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, sinusitis), oral cavity (caries), on the skin (impetigo), etc. Blepharitis is often caused by damage to the edges of the eyelids by the Demodex mite (Demodex).

In most people, mites live on the surface of the skin, in hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and when the overall reactivity of the body decreases, they can become more active and land on the skin of the eyelids, causing blepharitis.

Less common etiological agents for blepharitis are herpes viruses types I, II and III, molluscum contagiosum, Haemophilus influenzae, coliform bacteria, yeast-like fungi, etc. When blepharitis is combined with conjunctivitis, blepharoconjunctivitis develops.

The development of non-infectious blepharitis is often associated with uncorrected vision pathology (farsightedness, myopia, astigmatism), dry eye syndrome.

People who are hypersensitive to irritants (pollen, cosmetics, hygiene products, medications) may develop an allergic form of blepharitis. Damage to the eyelids often occurs with contact dermatitis.

Endogenous allergization of the body is possible with helminthiasis, gastritis, colitis, cholecystitis, tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, in which the composition of the secretion of the meibomian glands changes.

In accordance with the etiology, blepharitis is divided into two groups: non-infectious and infectious. When only the ciliary edge of the eyelid is involved in the inflammatory process, they speak of anterior marginal blepharitis; with damage to the meibomian glands - posterior marginal blepharitis; in case of predominance of inflammatory phenomena in the corners of the eyes - about angular or angular blepharitis.

According to the clinical course, several forms of blepharitis are distinguished:

The course of any form of blepharitis is accompanied by typical manifestations: swelling and redness of the eyelids, itching, rapid eye fatigue and increased sensitivity to irritants (light, wind).

Constantly forming tear film causes blurred vision. Eye discharge, especially accompanying the course of infectious blepharitis, leads to the appearance of plaque on the eyelid and gluing of eyelashes.

Patients who usually wear contact lenses note that they cannot wear them for as long as before.

Simple blepharitis is characterized by hyperemia and thickening of the edges of the eyelids, accumulation of whitish-gray secretions in the corners of the palpebral fissures, moderate redness of the conjunctiva, and dilation of the meibomian gland ducts.

With scaly blepharitis, scales of desquamated epidermis and epithelium of the sebaceous glands accumulate on the thickened and hyperemic edge of the eyelid, which are tightly attached to the base of the eyelashes. Skin scales are also found on the eyebrows and scalp. Seborrheic blepharitis may be accompanied by loss and graying of eyelashes.

The ulcerative form of blepharitis occurs with the formation of yellowish crusts, when removed, ulcers open. After the ulcerations heal, scars form, which interfere with the normal growth of eyelashes (trichiasis). In severe cases, eyelashes may become discolored (poliosis) and fall out (madarosis), and the anterior eyelash margin becomes hypertrophied and wrinkled.

Demodectic blepharitis occurs with constant unbearable itching of the eyelids, more pronounced after sleep. The edges of the eyelids thicken in the form of a reddish ridge. In the daytime, there is a pain in the eyes, the release of a sticky secretion, leading to the drying of the discharge and its accumulation between the eyelashes, which gives the eyes an untidy appearance.

Symptoms of allergic blepharitis , in most cases, appear suddenly and are clearly associated with some exogenous factor. The disease is accompanied by swelling and persistent itching of the eyelids, lacrimation, mucous discharge from the eyes, photophobia, and pain in the eyes. Allergic blepharitis is characterized by darkening of the skin of the eyelids (the so-called “allergic bruise”).

With rosacea-blepharitis, small grayish-red nodules topped with pustules are visible on the skin of the eyelids.

Blepharitis is recognized by an ophthalmologist on the basis of complaints, examination of the eyelids, identification of concomitant diseases, and laboratory tests.

During the diagnosis of blepharitis, visual acuity is determined and biomicroscopy of the eye is performed, which allows assessing the condition of the edges of the eyelids, conjunctiva, eyeball, tear film, cornea, etc.

In order to identify previously unrecognized hypermetropia, myopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism, the state of refraction and accommodation is examined.

To confirm demodectic blepharitis, a microscopic examination of eyelashes for Demodex mites is performed.

If infectious blepharitis is suspected, bacteriological culture of a smear from the conjunctiva is indicated.

If blepharitis is allergic, it is necessary to consult an allergist-immunologist with allergy tests. In order to exclude helminthic infestation, it is advisable to prescribe a stool test for worm eggs.

Long-term blepharitis, accompanied by hypertrophy of the eyelid margins, requires the exclusion of sebaceous gland cancer, squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma, for which a biopsy with histological examination of the tissue is performed.

Often, to eliminate blepharitis, consultations with specialized specialists (otolaryngologist, dentist, dermatologist, allergist, gastroenterologist), sanitation of chronic foci of infection and deworming, normalization of nutrition, improvement of sanitary and hygienic conditions at home and at work, and increased immunity are required. If refractive errors are detected, it is necessary to carry out their correction with glasses or laser.

Topical therapy for blepharitis requires taking into account the form of the disease. In the treatment of blepharitis of any etiology, careful hygiene of the eyelids is necessary, cleansing of crusts and scales with a damp swab after preliminary application of penicillin or sulfacil ointment, instillation of sulfacetamide solution into the conjunctival cavity, treatment of the edges of the eyelids with brilliant green solution, and massage of the eyelids.

For ulcerative blepharitis, ointments containing a corticosteroid hormone and an antibiotic (dexamethasone + gentamicin, dexamethasone + neomycin + polymyxin B) are used. For conjunctivitis and marginal keratitis, treatment is supplemented with similar eye drops. In cases of corneal ulceration, eye gel with dexpanetheol is used.

For seborrheic blepharitis, lubrication of the eyelids with hydrocortisone eye ointment and instillation of “artificial tears” are indicated. In the treatment of demodectic blepharitis, in addition to general hygiene measures, special antiparasitic ointments (metronidazole, zinc-ichthyol), and alkaline drops are used; Systemic therapy with metronidazole is carried out.

Allergic blepharitis requires elimination of contact with the identified allergen, instillation of antiallergic drops (lodoxamide, sodium cromoglycate), treatment of the eyelids with corticosteroid eye ointments, and taking antihistamines. For meibomian and acne blepharitis, it is advisable to prescribe tetracycline or doxycycline orally for a course of 2 to 4 weeks.

Systemic therapy for blepharitis includes vitamin therapy, immunostimulating therapy, and autohemotherapy. An effective combination of local and general medicinal treatment with physiotherapy (UHF, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, darsonvalization, ultraviolet radiation), irradiation with Bucca rays.

In complicated forms of blepharitis, surgical treatment may be required: removal of chalazion, eyelid surgery for trichiasis, correction of entropion or eversion of the eyelid.

To prevent blepharitis, it is necessary to treat chronic infections, avoid contact with allergens, correct refractive errors, timely treatment of sebaceous gland dysfunction, maintain visual hygiene, and improve sanitary and hygienic working and living conditions.

Source: https://www.KrasotaiMedicina.ru/diseases/ophthalmology/blepharitis

What is blepharitis of the eyelids: symptoms and treatment in adults and children

Blepharitis is an ophthalmological pathology associated with recurrent inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the ciliary edge of the eyelids. Blepharitis most often affects both eyes, because a person quickly transfers the infection from one eye to the other when he rubs the organs of vision with his hands. Blepharitis in one eye is extremely rare.

Causes

Infection occurs very quickly, the acute period lasts no more than 7 days. Chronic blepharitis is diagnosed much less frequently than acute blepharitis, since the acute form occurs with symptoms that are simply unbearable to tolerate, so people go to the doctor and get treated.

At the very beginning of the development of the disease, inflammation is observed at the edges of the eyelids, and in an advanced form, purulent discharge appears, which, drying out, sticks the eyelids together, causing a person severe discomfort, forcing him to constantly touch his eyes, rub them, which further aggravates the situation.

Infection from the edges of the eyelids can spread to the conjunctiva, cornea and other structures of the eye, causing inflammation there.

The causes of blepharitis in adults and children are as follows:

• weakened immunity;
• infectious pathologies;
• helminthic infestations;
• allergic reactions;
• lack of nutrition;
• congenital eye diseases (astigmatism, myopia, hypermetropia);
• constant effect on the organs of vision of irritating factors (dust, polluted air);
• frequent hypothermia;
• failure to comply with eye hygiene rules;
• metabolic disorders;
• the presence of chronic foci of inflammation in the body (inflamed tonsils, carious teeth);
• contact with foreign bodies in the eyes.

Types and symptoms of the disease

The signs and symptoms of blepharitis of the lower and upper eyelids are similar in both adults and children. Each type of inflammation of the eyelids has its own characteristics. There are also common signs.

The disease can be identified by the following symptoms:

• photophobia;
• redness of the edges of the eyelids;
• swelling of the eyes;
• purulent discharge along the edges of the eyelids and in the corners of the eyes;
• After sleep, it is impossible to open the eyelids, since due to pus they stick together strongly.

The main types of pathological process, their distinctive features (symptoms) are reflected in the following table.

Types of blepharitis.	Features and symptoms.
Ulcerative.	With ulcerative blepharitis, thickening of the eyelids occurs due to inflammatory processes. Along the edges of the eyelids, purulent crusts with bloody discharge form, after which ulcers and scars appear. Often the disease is associated with chronic damage by staphylococci. In severely advanced forms, eyelashes begin to fall out profusely, and the infection enters the cornea, causing inflammation.
Scaly (seborrheic).	Symptoms include redness and swelling of the eyelids, which causes a narrowing of the palpebral fissure. A whitish-yellowish scale resembling dandruff forms on the eyelashes. A person experiences pain in the eyes when looking at a light source. My eyes are constantly itchy and itchy.
Rosacea-blepharitis of the lower or upper eyelid.	The disease progresses with the appearance of pinkish-gray nodules with cloudy watery contents. This form of the disease can be identified by the presence of acne on the face and back.
Simple.	It is characterized by redness and swelling of the edges of the eyelids, dilation of the conjunctival vessels. It has an easy course and a favorable prognosis.
Corner (angular).	As the name suggests, inflammation is localized in the corners of the eyes. Purulent discharge accumulates there, causing the eyelids in the affected areas to become very dense. Cracks appear on the eyelids, which then turn into open wounds. They fester and bleed, causing severe discomfort.
Front edge.	Inflammation of the eyelids concerns the line where the eyelash follicles are located.
Posterior marginal (meibomian).	In this type of blepharitis, the infection reaches the meibomian glands. Very often, meibomian blepharitis is combined with conjunctivitis. The eyelids thicken. If you press on them, pus is released.
Demodectic.	Blepharitis of the lower or upper eyelid develops due to infection with demodicosis mites, which live in down pillows, sofas, clothes and anywhere there is dust. The infection first gets to the roots of the eyelashes and from there spreads to the rest of the eye structures.

Patients are interested in whether blepharitis is a stye or not? This question can be answered positively.

When the meibomian or ciliary pouch becomes infected with staphylococci, spherical swellings with pus inside appear there (pus, also known as barley).

The patient feels the presence of a foreign body in the eye, accompanied by redness and swelling of the eyelids. In some cases, the general body temperature rises and headaches occur.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, consultation with an ophthalmologist is necessary. In some cases, an accurate diagnosis can be made after a visual examination, interviewing the patient, and taking an anamnesis.

To clarify, the ophthalmologist usually prescribes the following diagnostic measures:

1. Visometry. Visual acuity is checked without and with correction. If there is blepharitis (especially in children), farsightedness or astigmatism is determined using visometry.
2. Biomicroscopy. Slit lamp examination. Swelling, redness of the edges of the eyelids, purulent discharge, and skin scales are detected.
3. Microscopic examination of eyelash roots. Several eyelashes are taken from the patient and examined under a microscope to identify tick-borne infestations.
4. Sowing tank A smear is taken from the eyelids and conjunctiva to determine the infectious agent that caused blepharitis. This is necessary for selecting an antibacterial drug.

How and with what to treat blepharitis

After carrying out diagnostic measures and identifying the type of blepharitis of the lower or upper eyelid, a treatment regimen is developed. You should immediately pay attention to the fact that recovery is not easy, therapy takes a long period of time.

Before getting rid of the pathology, the patient, if necessary, will need to consult an allergist, immunologist, ENT specialist, dentist, dermatologist, gastroenterologist.

Immediately after diagnosis, the patient is prescribed a certain diet and vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system. The home must be thoroughly sanitized.

The further choice of drugs to eliminate blepharitis will depend on the form of the disease.

1. Seborrheic scaly blepharitis. This type of pathology requires treatment, both local and general. Local therapy includes solutions for instillation and medicinal ointments, gels for application to lesions. First, the edges of the eyelids are treated with a ten percent Sintomycin emulsion. It helps soften the scales. After this, treatment is carried out with an antiseptic (diamond green or Albucid). And only after these measures, a medicinal ointment is applied, the choice of which is made by the doctor.
2. Ulcerative blepharitis. The pathology begins to be treated with a one percent emulsion of Syntomycin to soften the scales. Using a sponge that has been treated with an antiseptic, after softening, the crusts and purulent discharge are removed. An antibiotic ointment (Maxitrol, Dexagentamicin) is applied along the edges of the eyelids. This treatment must be carried out three times a day.
3. Demodectic blepharitis. Treatment of this form of blepharitis begins with reducing the activity of demodectic mites and their further elimination. First, you need to thoroughly clean your house, knock out all the pillows, carpets, bedding, and wash everything with a disinfectant. This way you can interrupt the tick's life cycle. At the same time, it is worth starting treatment. Treat your eyelids three times a day with a cotton pad soaked in baby shampoo, diluted with saline solution in a one-to-one ratio. After this, the affected areas of the eyelids are treated with Hydrocortisone-POS ointment 2.5%. It is advisable to alternate it with the drug Dexagentamicin.
4. Angular blepharitis. First, remove pus from the corners of the palpebral fissure using a cotton pad soaked in baby shampoo diluted in half with saline solution. After this, the inflamed edges of the eyelids are treated with one percent sulfur-zinc ointment. Twice a day it is necessary to clean the eyelids and treat them. To strengthen your immune system, you need to take multivitamin complexes.
5. Meibomian blepharitis. To eliminate inflammation of the meibomian glands, purulent discharge should be removed from the corners of the palpebral fissures. After this, the edges of the eyelids are treated with anti-inflammatory ointment (Floxal, Dancil, Ofloxacin). Treatment is carried out three times a day. As the patient's condition improves and inflammation decreases, the frequency of application of the ointment also decreases. In addition to ointments, “artificial tear” drops are prescribed for meibomian blepharitis, which moisturize the cornea and reduce burning of the eyelids.
6. Allergic blepharitis. After identifying the allergen, limit its interaction with humans. Then comes a period of treatment with antihistamines. Lecrolin and Alomide eye drops are used. To eliminate inflammation, the edges of the eyelids are lubricated with Hydrocortisone.

In addition to the main treatment, folk remedies can be used. Soap foam, boric acid, infusion of chamomile, celandine, bird cherry, fresh aloe juice, and laundry soap help well.

Features of the disease in children

In childhood, blepharitis of the lower or upper eyelid is diagnosed quite often. Its manifestations in children are the same as in adults. How to treat and how to treat blepharitis in a baby is decided by a pediatric ophthalmologist. The main emphasis is on homeopathy, the use of traditional medicine, and physiotherapy.

In cases of infectious nature of the disease, children are prescribed ointments and drops with antibiotics. Prescribe tetracycline, bacitrocin ointments, Colbiocin, Ophthalmotrim. These medications are used in short courses when treating children.

Eye drops Piloxidin, Miramistin, and artificial tears are prescribed.

Prevention

Blepharitis is a rather unpleasant disease that causes discomfort to a person, depriving him of the ability to see normally. Therefore, it is important to take the following preventive measures to prevent the development of this ophthalmological disease:

• strengthen the protective functions of your body with the help of vitamin and mineral complexes and hardening;
• improve sanitary conditions at home and at work;
• observe the rules of hygiene;
• promptly treat ophthalmological diseases.

Video about blepharitis

Watch the recording of the TV program “Live Healthy”, dedicated to the peculiarities of treatment of blepharitis.

Bakhareva Elena Sergeevna, specialist for the website glazalik.ru
Share your experience and opinion in the comments.

Source: https://GlazaLik.ru/bolezni-glaz/blefarit/simptomy-i-lechenie/