Blepharitis

Abstract

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory process of the eyelid margin. It is a common eye disorder throughout the world and can affect any age group. It may be associated with several systemic diseases, particularly rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, and is related to other ocular conditions like dry eye, chalazion, conjunctivitis, and keratitis. Common symptoms associated with blepharitis are burning sensation, irritation, tearing, photophobia, blurred vision, and red eyes. Clinical examination reveals the presence of scurf, telangiectatic vascular changes of the eyelid margin, inspissated meibomian glands, conjuntival hyperemia, punctuate keratopathy, cornea vascularization, and ulceration. Patients with longstanding chronic blepharitis may present hypertrophy of the lid margin, scars, madarosis, trichiasis, and poliosis. Treatment of blepharitis is long and unsatisfactory. Long-term commitment to eyelid hygiene is essential. Other treatment options are discussed.