Also known as granulated eyelids, blepharitis is a condition in which the eyes swell. The two different types of the eye condition are:
- Posterior blepharitis, which affects the inside of the eyelid where the oil glands are located
- Anterior blepharitis, which affects the outer front part of the eyelid and is caused by scalp dandruff and bacteria
This particular eye condition is common for individuals who have scalp dandruff, acne rosacea and other skin disorders.
Associated Conditions
Eye conditions that can result from blepharitis include:
- Chalazion, which is a hard lump that appears after the occurrence of a stye and is the result of swollen oil glands in the eyelid. The condition is often painless, unless if there’s the presence of infection.
- Stye, which is a tender, red bump found on the eyelid and the result of an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid.
- Issues with the tear film, which occurs when there’s an imbalance of oil secretion in the mixture of mucus, oil and water around the eye. Such issues can lead to the production of an excess of tears and dry eyes
Symptoms of Blepharitis
Physical indications that you might have contracted blepharitis include:
- Itching
- Teary eyes
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Crusted eyelashes
- Inflamed and reddened eyelids
- A burning sensation in your eyes
- Dry eyes
Effective Treatments for Blepharitis
With both anterior and posterior blepharitis, the individual should use a warm compress on the afflicted eyelid to dissolve the crust and make sure the lid is kept clean. Keeping the eyelid clean can also be done with a mixture of baby shampoo and water, which is applied with a clean cotton swab. With posterior blepharitis, the individual should gently massage the eyelid to flush the oil from the glands.
For a more serious case of the eye condition, it’s best to visit an experienced and well-qualified eye doctor. Steroid eye drops or antibiotics might be prescribed for a successful treatment. If blepharitis is the result of a skin condition, the person should have that treated as well to help prevent the future occurrence of the condition. Those who suffer from blepharitis should be sure to maintain a healthy eyelid hygiene routine, in order to prevent the condition from returning in the future.
