Eye Diseases

Blepharitis:
Posterior blepharitis: it is the most common type, in which the inner edge of the eyelid that touches the eyeball becomes inflamed due to a blockage in the openings of the oil-producing glands that lubricate the eyelids (meibomian glands), causing dry eyes and thus leading to inflammation and infection. It may also occur due to skin diseases. (e.g.: rosacea or dandruff).
Anterior blepharitis: it occurs when the outer, front part of the eyelid (lash line) becomes inflamed, usually caused by bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). These bacteria are commonly found on the face and eyelids, but if become excessive, or the eyelid area reacts poorly to its presence, infection may occur, sensitivity of the eyelashes can also cause anterior blepharitis but this is less common.

Symptoms:
People with blepharitis may experience:

• A burning sensation in the eyes.
• Itching, redness or swelling of the eyelids.
• Dry Eye.
• Crusts on the eyelids.

For some it can lead to more severe symptoms, such as:

• Blurred vision (temporary).
• Loss of eyelashes or their adhesion and reversal of their direction to the inside of the eye.
• Inflammation of other eye tissues, especially the cornea.
• Secondary infection due to touching and rubbing the irritated area.

Diagnosis:
Health history and examination of the outer eyelid, as the specialist may ask for a swab of eyelid secretion; To know the type and number of bacteria present or a sample of tears; To determine if dry eyes are a contributing factor, severe swelling rarely requires a biopsy to rule out skin cancer or other abnormal cells.

Treatment:
There is no cure for blepharitis, but there are things that can be done to help control symptoms. Treatments include:

• Warm compresses: Wetting a clean cloth with warm water and wringing it to dry to some extent, then placing the towel on the closed eyes for at least one minute. It also helps prevent blockage of adjacent sebaceous glands.
• Antibiotics: They are prescribed by an ophthalmologist using an antibiotic ointment on the eyes, where a small amount of the ointment is placed on the tip of a clean finger or a piece of cotton (a Cotton bud), then the ointment is gently placed on the eyelash root. The specialist may also prescribe an oral antibiotic.
• Eye drops: Artificial tears or steroid eye drops may reduce redness, swelling, and dry eyes.
• Skin and eyelid hygiene: It is very important to keep the eyelids, skin and hair clean by washing the hair, scalp and eyebrows with an antibacterial shampoo.\

Prevention:
Most cases of blepharitis cannot be prevented, because some of the risk factors for infection (such as some skin diseases) are out of control, but to reduce symptoms for those affected, the following instructions can be followed:

• Maintaining clean hands and face.
• Resist the urge to touch the itchy eyes or face.
• Continue cleaning the eye even if symptoms disappear.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during symptoms.
• Replace eye makeup, whether it is eyeliner, eye shadow or mascara, as bacteria may be lurking inside the old tools and causing re-infection after recovery.
• Wipe away excess tears or eye drops with a clean tissue.