Chr blepharitis. Blepharitis of the eye

Inflammation of the edges of the eyelids is called blepharitis - the symptoms, causes and treatment depend on the type and duration of the disease. Often this disease takes a chronic form before the start of treatment, so it is difficult to cure it. There are cases when, due to the condition and severity, the goal of treatment is only to increase the duration of remission. Find out how to detect and treat the disease as soon as possible. During the period of inflammation, women are strongly advised to refrain from using mascara, shadows and other eye makeup products, but wearing contact lenses is possible.

What is blepharitis?

The name blepharitis unites a whole group of diseases that affect the eyelids. All of them do not belong to infectious species, but they cause significant discomfort to the patient, worsening his quality of life. Blepharitis affects both eyelids during development, a small gap is formed for the eye, due to which the field of view decreases. The disease affects the nervous system, reducing the efficiency and activity of the brain. The main group of patients are the elderly, but often the disease occurs in children and adults.

Symptoms

Since blepharitis has several types, the symptoms of the disease are divided into general and individual. The main signs of the inflammatory process include:

• redness of the eyelids;
• swelling of the edges of the eyelids;
• sensation of a foreign object;
• pain;
• sensitivity to bright light;
• increased dryness or moisture of the eyes;
• burning of the skin of the eyelids;
• loss or poor growth of eyelashes;
• the presence of crusts after sleep;
• eye fatigue;
• hyperemia of the eyelids (filling of vessels with blood).

In addition to the main symptoms of the disease, others may appear that are characteristic of only one type:

• Allergic - inflammation of the mucous membrane that occurs after applying eye ointment, using eye cosmetics, contact with household chemicals, dust, wool, fluff, feathers or pollen. In the acute form, severe itching and swelling, lacrimation appear sharply. During the period of chronic blepharitis, you may feel an unpleasant, unrelenting itching, accumulation of mucous discharge, pain in the eyes. More often, exacerbations occur seasonally.
• Demodectic (caused by the Demodex mite) - severe itching in the morning, pain, the appearance of a sticky discharge that dries up and becomes scales, thickened inflammation of the edges of the eyelids.
• Scaly (seborrheic) - redness of the edges of the eyelids, a feeling of sand in the eyes, the appearance of scales between the eyelashes, thickening of the skin, itching. After a while, the eyelids become very swollen, creating only a gap for the eye, lacrimation occurs, eyelashes fall out, the eyelid can turn outward.
• Ulcerative - the formation of inflammation of the purulent bags of eyelashes, ulcers on the edges of the eyelids with purulent crusts. Due to the suppuration of the hair follicles, the river begins to fall out until it disappears completely. An inversion or eversion of the eyelids may occur.
• Meibomian (with blockage of the glands of the same name) - redness, itching, burning, pain of the eyelids. Eyelashes begin to fall out due to the destruction of the hair structure, sensitivity to light and wind appears, heaviness of the eyelids, eyes quickly get tired even with a slight load.

The reasons

If blepharitis is diagnosed, the symptoms and treatment depend on the type of disease. The causes of the disease are:

• fungus;
• demodex mites;
• bacteria;
• chronic infectious disease;
• allergic reactions;
• lack of vitamins;
• tuberculosis;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• diseases of the nasopharynx, oral cavity;
• anemia;
• diabetes;
• bad habits;
• improper skin care around the eyes;
• negative impact of the environment;
• eye diseases.

In children

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;
• dust and other mechanical particles getting into the eyes;
• physical stress;
• infectious diseases;
• reduced immunity;
• diabetes;
• metabolic disorders;
• helminthic invasions;
• allergy;
• chronic pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract).

Types of blepharitis

If blepharitis is suspected, the symptoms and treatment of the disease depend on the type of disease. Each is characterized by different causes of infection and diagnostic criteria:

In addition to classification by signs, the disease is divided by anatomical factors:

1. anterior - affects the edges of the eyelids;
2. rear - accompanied by an inflammatory process in the thickness of the eyelids;
3. angular - affects the corners of the eyes.

Diagnostics

If you suspect blepharitis, see an ophthalmologist. The doctor will be able to determine the disease by diagnosing. To identify a simple, ulcerative, scaly type, an external examination is enough to detect redness with inflammation and examine the separated particles under a microscope. When diagnosing a demodectic type, a microscopic examination of the eyelids is additionally performed.

Treatment of blepharitis

Many drugs and therapies have been developed for the treatment of blepharitis, but it is difficult to cope with the disease. Doctors may prescribe different drugs to stop the development of inflammation until they find the right one. To quickly get rid of microbes and other causative agents of blepharitis, complex treatment is used: drops, ointments, massage, which as a result:

• remove crusts, scales from the epithelium of the eyelid;
• relieve inflammation and redness;
• relieve itching with burning.

Drops

Drops from blepharitis have an effective effect. They contain antibiotics or other antibacterial substances. Drops are applied 3-6 times a day, but the exact dose is prescribed only by a doctor who will take into account the severity of symptoms, areas of skin cell damage, and general health. You only need to follow the recommendations of the ophthalmologist.

Ointment

Massage

How to do eyelid massage with blepharitis at home, the doctor will show, but the general recommendations are as follows:

1. Before starting self-treatment, the skin of the eyelids is degreased, and after treatment it is lubricated with a solution of brilliant green 1%.
2. The course of such self-massage is 3 weeks.
3. If self-performing the procedure is not suitable, the ophthalmologist performs a massage with a glass rod under local anesthesia.

Treatment of blepharitis with folk remedies

Effective help in the treatment of blepharitis will provide folk methods. Doctors advise their patients to combine drug therapy with folk therapy. You can choose one or more recipes that you will use during the treatment period:

• Prepare an infusion of thyme. To do this, take 1 tsp. dry grass and pour 200 ml of boiling water over it. The product should stand for 1 hour, after which it should be filtered through several layers of gauze or a fine sieve. Rinse the eyelids with infusion twice a day until the symptoms disappear completely.
• Anti-inflammatory effect found in fresh basil. The leaves need to be kneaded a little and applied to the eyelids. Perform this procedure for illness in the morning and evening. Basil relieves swelling, burning, itching.
• With a scaly type, before going to bed, lubricate the inflamed eyelids with burdock oil.
• Brew 1 tbsp. fresh or dried dill in 1 cup boiling water. Let it brew for 1 hour, and then strain the solution. Use as a poultice.
• To dry ulcers on the eyelids will help infusion of calendula. This requires brewing 1 tbsp. dried flowers in 200 ml of boiling water. Infuse the composition for half an hour and strain through cheesecloth, and then do it with a lotion solution or rinse your eyes.
• Treatment of blepharitis at home is carried out using rose oil. The tool removes traces of damage on the eyelids, if you lubricate them 3 times a day.
• Lachrymation can be stopped with infusion of cumin, cornflower flowers, eyebright, plantain leaves. To start, 1 tbsp. seeds for 1 glass of water is boiled for half an hour, after which the remaining components are added to 1 tsp. The product is infused for 12 hours in a warm and dark place, filtered. The solution is instilled into the eyes 1-2 times a day.
• For the treatment of ulcerative blepharitis, use the herb celandine. 1 tbsp 200 ml of boiling water is poured over a fresh or dry plant, insisted for half an hour, filtered through gauze or a sieve. Cotton pads are moistened in the solution and applied to the eyelids for 10 minutes. The procedure can be carried out up to 5 times a day.
• Freshly squeezed aloe juice is instilled into the eyes before going to bed - 2 drops each, or make lotions out of it to apply for 10-15 minutes.
• Treatment of blepharitis of the eyelids of an allergic nature occurs with the help of fresh meadow clover. It is required to squeeze the juice out of it to drip 3 drops before bedtime. The gruel that remains from the plant can be applied to the eyelids 2-3 times.

Complications and consequences

If you are diagnosed with blepharitis, be prepared for the complications of the disease. They are especially pronounced in a child. Frequent consequences:

• violation of eyelash growth;
• barley;
• dry eyes;
• blepharoconjunctivitis;
• keratitis;
• corneal injury;
• discomfort when wearing contact lenses;
• chalazion;
• decreased vision;
• secondary glaucoma;
• inflammatory processes;
• scleritis;
• scars on the dermis of the eyelids.

Forecast

If the treatment of blepharitis began in a timely manner, with properly selected medications, the overall prognosis of the disease is favorable. At the same time, you should know that the disease often proceeds for a long time, is difficult to treat, improvements come slowly, which leads to a chronic form with constant relapses. Normal therapy ensures the patient's speedy recovery without consequences and complications.

Prevention

To prevent the disease from reappearing, it is required to carry out the prevention of blepharitis, which is as follows:

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

Photo of blepharitis

Video

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

The popular belief that the eyes are the mirror of the soul is not entirely true. Cunning scammers have long learned to lie with a clear eye. Clean eyes are a sign of good health. In cases of reduced immunity, a person begins to overcome all sorts of dangerous diseases of the organs of vision: glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinitis, and others (more than 200 types of pathologies).

Diseases of the eyelids are no less a threat to health: for example, blepharitis. Untimely treatment of blepharitis in adults and children can lead to serious consequences: chronic conjunctivitis, corneal injury, scarring of the edges of the eyelids, the development of purulent abscesses. To determine the etiology of the disease and prescribe medications is the prerogative of an ophthalmologist, therefore, if symptoms of inflammation appear, immediately consult a doctor.

What is blepharitis?

The generalizing term blepharitis doctors designate many types of inflammatory diseases of the edges of the eyelids of various etiologies. Methods of treatment directly depend on the cause of occurrence, as well as the stage of damage to the epithelium.

How to get rid of different types of inflammation of the eyelids:

• Determine the etiology of the disease (bacterial, viral, fungal infection, as well as tick-borne or traumatic damage to the eyelids).
• To identify the factors that provoked the inflammatory process on the skin: diabetes, diseases of the teeth, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, skin. As well as HIV, allergies, work under harmful conditions.
• Next - to carry out sanitation in the area of ​​infection of the eyelids, select the necessary drugs for the treatment of blepharitis and diseases that cause inflammation of the eyelids.

As a result, in order to avoid relapses, you need to come to grips with personal hygiene.

Symptoms, causes, treatment of various types of blepharitis

Attention! Without a doctor's prescription, it is impossible to use medicinal and folk remedies on your own, this is a direct path to vision deterioration.

Demodectic blepharitis

The causative agents of the disease are Demodex mites that live in the flowing mouths of the meibomian and sebaceous glands near the bases of the eyelash bulbs.

The reasons

The increased destructive activity of these opportunistic microorganisms begins as a result of a decrease in the body's immune defense under the influence of adverse external conditions:

• at excessively high air temperature,
• under the influence of bright sunlight,
• after eye surgery
• with diseases of the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems, as well as disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Demodectic blepharitis can be a consequence of professionally earned conjunctivitis.

Signs of the disease

• burning,
• discomfort in the areas of the eyelids,
• scaly peeling of the skin (often not observed).
• a slight fatty coating appears at the base of the eyelashes, in which mites reside.
• the edges of the eyelids turn red, swell a little.

Treatment

Non-drug treatment consists in carrying out hygienic cleansing procedures with napkins with Blefarogel (or Blefaroloson).

Medical treatment:

• Antiseptic preparations: Okomistin, Vitobact, Demoten - up to 10 days.
• Metronidazole as an antimicrobial agent Course 1 - 1.5 months.
• Antiallergic drugs: Lekrolin, Opatanol.
• Tetracycline ointment, antibiotics Tsipromed, Tobrex. Prescribed in cases of accession of bacterial flora. No more than 10 days.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (with non-bacterial etiology) Indocollir, Diklo F. Up to 10 days.
• Tear substitutes for excessive dry eyes: Systane Ultra, Corneocomfort, Hilo dresser.

Steroids should not be used for treatment, as they contribute to a decrease in immunity, as a result, an increase in the number of ticks.

Blepharitis scaly

Pathogens: allergens, pathogenic viruses and bacteria.

The reasons

• Diseases of the eyes, nasopharynx, gastrointestinal tract:
• Avitaminosis, anemia, metabolic disorders.
• Contact with harmful chemicals (smoke, gas, vapours).
• The use of poor-quality cosmetics.
• Dust street and library.

Symptoms: near the roots of the cilia on the eyelids, small scales of light and dark gray shades appear (like dandruff, but difficult to detach).

The eyelids thicken at the edges, redden, itch. With mechanical manual separation of the scales, ulcerations occur, or a dry yellowish crust.

There is dryness of the mucous membranes, or an increase in tearing, swelling, gluing of the cilia, a feeling in the eye of a foreign object.

Treatment

Cleansing of crusts affected by blepharitis on the eyelids with fish oil, or Synthomycin emulsion (1%).

• Wounds from sores are lubricated with a solution of Methylene blue, Zelenka, or Colloidal Silver.
• The use of antiseptics is allowed: Sulfacyl Sodium (Albucid) drops, or an ointment with antibiotics (Tetracycline, Levomycetin, Dibiomycin) is applied to the edges of the eyelids.
• Corticosteroid ointments are used: Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, or Dex-Gentamicin.
• Eye drops are prescribed: Dexamethasone, Albucid, Sulfapyridazine-Sodium, or Tsipromed.

With excessive dryness of the conjunctiva, artificial tears, Oftagel drops are used.

Allergic blepharitis

Pathogens - allergens: plant pollen, mites from house, book, street dust and animal dander, helminths. As well as drugs, cosmetics, household chemicals.

The reasons

• low immunity,
• autoimmune or endocrine diseases,
• chronic infection.
• anemia,
• hypovitaminosis,
• mucosal hyperreactivity.

Symptoms: hyperemia, erosive inflammation of the skin of the eyelids, swelling, tearing, burning in the eyes, photophobia. Redness of the eye vessels, the appearance of a capillary mesh on the sclera. Circles under the eyes.

Treatment

Medicines are selected directly by an immunologist-allergist.

• Antihistamine drops Zodak, Lodoxamide.
• Antimicrobial drug Normaks.
• Drops Allergodil, Alomir, or Lekrolin.

For treatment, ointment Tavegil, Prednisolone, or Hydrocortisone is most often used.

Blepharitis chronic

Chronic blepharitis most often has an allergic nature. The main symptoms are darkening of the skin of the eyelids, severe itching, tearing. Treatment consists in eliminating all kinds of allergens for the rest of your life. It is quite difficult to cure a chronic disease of any etiology.

• The main therapeutic rule for preventing relapses is to cleanse the eyelids from bacterial, viral infectious agents and allergens.
• To wash the eyelids, tincture of Calendula, Miramistin is used.
• Anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed: Tobradex, Makritrol.
• If blepharitis against the background of influenza - antiviral agents: Ophthalmoferon, Aktipol.
• With a recurrent bacterial infection - antibiotic ointments.

In order to strengthen the immune system - vitamin complex drops with Lutein.

ethnoscience

Recipes of healers can only be used with the permission of an ophthalmologist.

• To strengthen the immune defense, you can drink tincture of ginseng, pink radiola, echinacea.
• You can wash your eyelids and eyes with freshly brewed black tea cooled to room temperature (1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water).
• Infusion of dill (2 tsp per 300 ml of boiling water).
• It is allowed to lubricate the eyelids affected by blepharitis with sea buckthorn, grape seed or tea tree oil.

To increase the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria will help drinks from cranberries, rose hips, lingonberries. As well as daily consumption of garlic.

To prevent the disease from touching your eyes, do not use someone else's cosmetics, towels, pillows, handkerchiefs, and do not rub your eyes with your hands. Avoid contact with allergens.

Temper every free minute so that immunity is normal. And at the first, even minor signs of eye disease, hurry up for diagnosis to an ophthalmologist. Any disease in an early stage is easier to cure than in a neglected state. If you have any questions, please let us know, we will be happy to answer as soon as possible.

Good day, dear readers and readers! Blepharitis is a disease of the organs of vision, which is quite difficult to treat and quickly becomes chronic. This is due to viral infections and allergic lesions - in most cases, they provoke the development of the disease.

Due to the fact that with such a disease very often no significant changes occur in the eye, many people do not attach importance to periodically occurring uncomfortable sensations.

Treatment of blepharitis in adults should be carried out in a timely manner, otherwise prolonged infectious exposure will lead to decreased vision or even blindness.

Clinical picture of blepharitis

The clinical course of blepharitis is largely due to the causative factor and the type of disease. Speaking about the main signs of the disease, I note that they appear in the form of:

• itching;
• burning sensation;
• redness of the eyelid;
• excessive tearing;
• loss of eyelashes;
• asthenopia (eye fatigue);
• eye discharge.

A simple form of blepharitis is often characterized exclusively by hyperemia (redness of the mucous membrane of the eye).

See also: How to treat seborrheic blepharitis in a child?

The provoking factors for the occurrence of eyelid disease include:

• allergy;
• dust and other harmful particles entering the eye;
• the use of low-quality cosmetics;
• demodicosis (facial tick);
• dysfunction of the immune system;
• getting an infection;
• refractive disorders;
• dry keratoconjunctivitis.

In people suffering from seborrheic blepharitis, the edges of the eyelids become covered with white scales and the skin is very flaky.

In addition, they are concerned about symptoms such as itching, burning, a feeling of sand and heaviness in the eyes, which occurs mainly after waking up.

Important! With a scaly form of the disease, there is a slight reddening and thickening of the edges of the eyelids. The main symptom is seborrhea on the scalp.

Treatment regimen for blepharitis in adults

I must say right away that the basis of blepharitis therapy is strict adherence to the rules of eyelid hygiene. You must ensure that the eyelids do not form skin scales and do not accumulate an excessive amount of secretions from the meibomian glands.

Timely elimination of these phenomena will minimize the risk of infection of the eye.

The treatment regimen for blepharitis at home consists of 3 stages:

• Warm compresses are made on the eyes, which contribute to the heating of the glands of the eyelid, accelerating the secretion and cleansing the excretory ducts. For this purpose, a towel or gauze dipped in warm purified water is used.

Please note that the compress should not be hot, otherwise there is a risk of burning the sensitive skin of the eyelids. The duration of such a procedure is about 7 minutes, and it should be carried out daily 3-4 times.

• The edges of the eyelids are cleaned from crusts, pus, etc. For this, use a baby shampoo that does not irritate the eyes (it must first be diluted with water).

See also: How to cure ulcerative blepharitis?

Take a small piece of gauze and begin to gently run it from the edge of the eyelids to the inner corner of the eye, thus cleaning.

• An antibacterial ointment is applied to the edges of the eyelids. After the eyelids are completely cleared of everything superfluous, they will need to be treated with medicines. For this, it is recommended to use an ointment based on tetracycline or erythromycin.

For the preventive purposes of recurrence of the disease, it is advisable to perform the first 2 points at least once a day.

What medicines help fight eyelid disease?

I bring to your attention effective drugs that are prescribed to adult patients suffering from blepharitis:

• Antiseptics. The most popular antiseptics are Okomistin drops, Vitabact and Demoten gel.
• Antibacterial drugs. Metronidazole tablets are an excellent antimicrobial drug that has a detrimental effect on ticks.

This drug is prescribed mainly for demodectic blepharitis. In cases where the bacterial flora is attached to the underlying ailment, the doctor prescribes a tetracycline ointment to the patient, as well as the antibiotics Tsipromed and Tobrex.

• Antiallergic agents. Lecrolin, Opatanol. These drops are prescribed for the treatment of allergic and chronic blepharitis.
• Tear substitutes. "Artificial tears" preparations are prescribed for patients who have excessive dry eyes that have developed against the background of blepharitis. Among them, the most effective are: Hilo-Komod, Systane Ultra and Corneocomfort.

Traditional medicine recipes against blepharitis

In order to ensure an easier course of the disease and a speedy recovery, the approach to the treatment of blepharitis should be comprehensive. It is impossible to get rid of such a problem with folk remedies alone, although many of them bring quite impressive results.

Before proceeding with the treatment of eyelid disease with traditional medicine, be sure to undergo an examination to clarify the diagnosis.

In the process of treatment, it is necessary to exclude junk food from the diet and enrich it with vitamins of groups A, B and D - they help to increase immunity, due to the decrease in which, in many cases, the eyelids become inflamed.

Allergic blepharitis is treated with red clover juice. It is prepared from clover inflorescences, which must be crushed to a state of gruel, and then squeeze the juice through cheesecloth. It should be used for instillation of the affected organ of vision, 3 drops daily. From the gruel, you can make compresses for the eyes.

See also: How to cure blepharitis with folk remedies?

An effective natural remedy for getting rid of purulent blepharitis is celandine, from which lotions are made. Take 1 tbsp. l. medicinal plant and pour it with a glass of boiling water. A cotton swab is wetted in this solution and applied to the inflamed eyelids.

With this form of the disease, rose oil is also useful, which lubricates the organs of vision, and tea rose petals (tea is made from them). Perfectly proved itself in the treatment of any type of blepharitis massage of the eyelids.

Take corn oil, soak a cotton swab/gauze in it and gently start massaging the closed eyelids, moving from the base to the outer corners of the eye. This massage should be done up to 3 times a day.

conclusions

Friends, since blepharitis is often caused by disorders in the immune system, it is very important to maintain the health of the whole body.

Control of chronic diseases and timely seeking qualified help in case of any health problems will help to avoid complications that can lead to vision loss.

Take care of your eyes and be healthy! Sincerely, Olga Morozova.

Ophthalmologists know why blepharitis develops, the symptoms and treatment of which have a number of features. With it, the edge of the eyelids becomes inflamed. The most common cause is an infection. In the absence of proper treatment, this pathology can lead to the development of keratitis, impaired eyelash growth, the formation of abscesses and other complications.

Clinical manifestations of the disease

• burning;
• redness of the eyelid;
• lacrimation;
• the presence of scales;
• loss of eyelashes;
• eye fatigue;
• the presence of discharge in the corners of the eye.

What is blefrit

Hyperemia may be the only symptom. It is observed with a simple form of blepharitis. The following factors contribute to the appearance of symptoms of inflammation:

• allergic reactions;
• ingress of dust and other particles;
• the use of cosmetics;
• demodicosis;
• autoimmune disorders;
• infection penetration;
• refractive error;
• contact dermatitis;
• dry eye syndrome.

Types of pathology

Seborrheic blepharitis is characterized by specific signs. In such people, along the edge of the eyelids, white scales can be found, resembling large dandruff. Peeling of the skin is determined. Additional symptoms include itching, a gritty feeling in the eyes, a burning sensation, and a feeling of heaviness after sleep. The person rubs the affected eye, but this does not help.

Scaly blepharitis is characterized by mild reddening of the edges of the eyelids. The general condition of patients is not disturbed. There is no fever. The edge of the century in such people is thickened. Seborrhea is found in patients on the scalp. This is a condition in which the function of the sebaceous glands is disturbed and crusts are formed that resemble dandruff.

Ulcerative blepharitis of the eyelids is characterized by the presence of yellowish ulcers. Then scars appear. They cause eyelash growth disorders. This condition is called trichiasis. Sometimes eyelashes actively fall out. It is possible to change their color. Chronic blepharitis of an infectious nature is characterized by severe hyperemia, pain, which is well eliminated by NSAIDs, and itching.

When examining patients, an increase in local temperature is detected. Separately, rosacea-blepharitis is highlighted. In such people, nodules of a gray-red color appear in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe edge of the eyelids. Ulcers are also identified. When the conjunctiva is involved in the process, symptoms such as discharge from the eye, lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, burning, itching and photophobia are observed.

Causes of the disease

Signs of allergic blepharitis

Allergic eye blepharitis is often diagnosed. It develops in children and adults. The following reasons for its development are known:

• instillation of drugs in the eyes;
• the use of cosmetics;
• contact with plant pollen or dust;
• microbial impact.

It is not uncommon to develop an allergy to pet hair and certain foods. Inflammation occurs upon repeated contact with the irritant. It is based on the binding of allergens to immunoglobulins. The process may involve the boundaries of eyelash growth, the meibomian glands and the corners of the eye.

Allergic blephritis

Chronic blepharitis of an allergic nature proceeds with few symptoms. In an acute reaction, the following symptoms are observed:

• redness of the eyelids in both eyes;
• puffiness;
• severe itching;
• burning sensation;
• fear of bright light;
• lacrimation.

Such people feel better in the dark. The swelling of the eyelids is total. Often this leads to complete closure of the palpebral fissure and the inability to see objects. If a person has allergic blepharitis, then severe itching always worries. A person scratches the skin, which leads to infection. Photophobia and lacrimation are caused by eye irritation.

Acute allergic blepharitis is characterized by a violent, sudden onset. If a person is not treated, then a cosmetic defect may develop in the form of eyelash loss and thinning. Both eyes are involved in the process at the same time. Chronic blepharitis is characterized by an undulating course with pronounced seasonality. Exacerbations occur in spring and summer.

Anatomical features

Symptoms of demodectic blepharitis

• sticking of eyelashes;
• rapid visual fatigue;
• hyperemia of the eyelids;
• redness.

Demodex blephritis

Fatigue is caused by inflammation of the eyelash follicles. A person is worried about pain even with a short-term focusing of the gaze. This can lead to decreased visual acuity. Unlike seborrheic blepharitis, there is no dandruff with this pathology. A specific sign is sticking of eyelashes. The reason is the inflammatory process.

Along with the general clinical manifestations of demodicosis, the following symptoms are possible:

• acne;
• increased oiliness of the skin;
• redness of the skin.

Ticks cause the development of persistent chronic blepharitis. A cured person can get sick again. Medications can eliminate the symptoms of inflammation.

Treatment methods for patients

Before you can cure blepharitis, you need to exclude other diseases. The following studies are being carried out:

• bacteriological analysis;
• general blood analysis;
• determination of immunoglobulins in the blood;
• examination of feces for helminths;
• allergic tests;
• ophthalmoscopy;
• skiascopy;
• biomicroscopy;
• microscopy of eyelashes for the presence of mites.

Treatment regimen

With hypertrophy of the eyelids, it is required to exclude malignant diseases (cancer). For this, a biopsy is performed. The treatment regimen is determined by the attending physician. You need to know not only what blepharitis is, but also how to get rid of it. General aspects of therapy are:

• careful hygienic care of the eyelids;
• cleansing the skin from scales and purulent secretions with the help of tampons;
• instillation of anti-inflammatory drops;
• massage.

A simple form of blepharitis requires the use of antiseptics, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Every day, the eyelids must be wiped with a swab moistened with saline or Furacilin. They have an antiseptic effect. Ointments based on hydrocortisone and dexamethasone are widely used. They need to process the edges of the inflamed eyelids.

Auxiliary methods of treatment include eyelid massage. It is effective in blepharoconjunctivitis and stagnation of the secretion of the meibomian glands. Massage is organized after preliminary anesthesia with a special glass rod. How to treat ulcerative blepharitis is not known to everyone.

Principles of treatment

Therapy in this case pursues the following tasks:

• softening of the crusts with their subsequent removal;
• destruction of microbes;
• normalization of metabolism.

Pathological formations are removed with tweezers from the inflamed edge of the eyelid after preliminary application of vaseline ointment. To suppress the activity of bacteria, ointments based on erythromycin and tetracycline are used. In the treatment regimen for blepharitis of the eyelids of infectious etiology, Dex-Gentamicin ointment or drops are often included.

This is a complex drug. It is not suitable for children, pregnant women and people who wear contact lenses. The drug is contraindicated in viral and fungal eye infections, hypersensitivity, glaucoma and corneal damage. The dosage and duration of therapy is determined by the doctor. To normalize the metabolism in the tissues of the eyelid, it is recommended to make lotions with zinc sulfate.

Treatment of seborrheic blepharitis

If a person has scaly blepharitis, then the following treatment recommendations are required:

• wash eyelids;
• remove scales;
• apply means in the form of ointments based on corticosteroids;
• make tricks.

An important aspect of therapy is to ensure proper hygiene of the eyelids. With seborrheic blepharitis, treatment involves the use of a slightly alkaline solution. 2% sodium bicarbonate works well. Scales should be removed at least 3 times a day. Better to do it more often. Scaly blepharitis is treated with corticosteroid ointments.

Seborrheic blephritis

A liniment based on hydrocortisone has an excellent effect. Lotions are included in the treatment regimen for patients. They use zinc sulfate. This form of inflammation of the eyelids occurs in a chronic form for months and even years. According to indications, antibacterial agents are prescribed in the form of ointments. They need to process the edges of the affected eyelids.

Treatment of allergic blepharitis

Treatment of blepharitis at home is carried out only in the absence of complications. With an allergic form of inflammation, it is necessary:

• stop contact with a potential allergen;
• take antihistamines;
• carry out external treatment.

Such people often need the help of a dermatologist and an allergist. It is important to identify the potential stimulus. If it is animal hair, then you need to limit contact with pets as much as possible. If you are allergic to the waste products of mites, bedbugs and house dust, you need to treat bedding and clothes, as well as regularly carry out wet cleaning at home.

Healthy and affected eye

If the cause of the development of blepharitis is in harmful production factors, then it is required to wear goggles or a mask. Women should definitely give up makeup. All patients with allergic blepharitis are recommended:

• during the active flowering of plants, go out less often, avoid squares and parks;
• follow a hypoallergenic diet;
• wear sunglasses;
• avoid bright light;
• use vacuum cleaners with modern filters;
• wipe the eyes with a decoction of chamomile;
• do not use contact lenses.

Antihistamine drugs are prescribed (Zodak, Zirtek, Tavegil, Clemastin, Cetirizine, Cetrin). They eliminate itching and burning. With allergic blepharoconjunctivitis, Allergodil or Lekrolin drops are prescribed. They are contraindicated in children under 4 years of age and people with hypersensitivity to the drug. With isolated blepharitis, hydrocortisone ointment is indicated. The treatment regimen often includes antibacterial agents (Tobrex, Normaks).

Forecast and methods of prevention

The prognosis for inflammation of the edge of the eyelid is most often favorable. Timely and correct treatment allows you to save vision. With a late visit to the doctor or ignoring the symptoms, the following complications are possible:

• barley formation;
• chalazion;
• eyelid deformity;
• damage to the conjunctiva;
• trichiasis;
• keratitis;
• decreased visual function.

Eyelid hygiene

Thus, blepharitis is a very common pathology. With itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids, you need to visit an ophthalmologist. Self-medication can harm and lead to complications.

Video

Eye drops for blepharitis of the eyelids, along with ointments and lotions, belong to local therapy, and are used for almost all types of inflammation. Blepharitis is a common eye disease (according to statistics, about 20% of ophthalmologists suffer from it). It has a characteristic clinical picture: the edges of the eyelids thicken, become covered with scales, turn red, tearing appears. Light sensitivity increases, purulent discharge, painful abscesses appear, the quality of vision may deteriorate. In the absence of proper treatment, blepharitis can annoy for years.

The cause may be damage by ticks, fungus, pathological process, bad habits. Blepharitis can act as an adverse reaction to Oftimol eye drops used to treat open-angle or secondary glaucoma.

Blepharitis is of several types:

Symptoms that bring discomfort make a person not delay a visit to the doctor. What drops are used in the treatment of blepharitis of the eyelids depends on the etiology of the disease.

Why drops are effective in the treatment of blepharitis

The eye drops on the market not only prevent the spread of infection, but also eliminate pain. The active substance is natural or semi-synthetic compounds that have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microflora.

The undoubted advantage of using drops: the active substance has a therapeutic effect immediately falling on the affected area, excluding the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction or dysbacteriosis.

Treatment of blepharitis is long. Even taking into account the emergence of modern medicines, it will take at least a month and a half to treat inflammation.

The price of eye drops is low, most of them are sold without prescriptions. But, it is desirable that such drugs be prescribed by a doctor. Errors in instillation, the wrong choice of the drug, non-compliance with the instructions, at least, will not bring the expected result, and in the worst case, will lead to the spread of infection and complication of the disease.

The speed of recovery depends on many factors, including compliance with the doctor's recommendations, the type and form of blepharitis, and the degree of neglect of the disease.

Are drops suitable for all types of blepharitis?

Eye drops are the most numerous subgroup of antimicrobials used in the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases. The choice of drug depends on the type and anatomy of blepharitis.

Barley is the most common and mild variant of blepharitis. In case of recurrence or incomplete cure, the inflammation can become chronic and cause complications. One of them is a chalazion (blockage of the excretory canal of the meibomian gland with the formation of a benign nodule). In this case, complex therapy includes the use of ointments, physiotherapy and massage, eye drops containing an antibiotic are prescribed, for example, Tobrex, Floksal, Tsipromed, Diclofenac.

With complications of seborrheic dermatitis, drops are used that reduce irritation, burning, itching, such as Oftagel. When conjunctivitis occurs, Maxidex is used.

With bacterial blepharitis with difficult to separate pus, Okomistin, Tobradex, Maxitrol are used. Before instilling the drug, it is necessary to soak the existing crusts with saline or furacilin solution.

In allergic blepharitis, the elimination of the root cause of the disease is important. In the treatment of this type of disease, Alomid, Lekrolin drops are used.

Lekrolin is prescribed for allergic blepharitis.

Commonly prescribed drops for blepharitis

In the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases, including blepharitis, drops containing an antibiotic are often used drugs. Below are eye drops that have received positive reviews and are often prescribed for blepharitis.

Maxidex

The active substance of the drug is dexamethasone. It is characterized by good penetration into the conjunctiva and corneal epithelium. The greater the damage to the mucosa and the inflammation present, the more active the penetration of the drug.

It belongs to the group of glucocorticosteroids that have anti-inflammatory and desensitizing effects.

It is necessary to drip the drug into the conjunctival sac every 3-6 hours. Treatment with the drug is recommended for 2-3 weeks. Sharing with the ointment of the same name is possible.

Analogues of drops are drugs based on dexamethasone - Decadron, Dexafar, Fortecortin, Dexapos.

Phloxal

The active substance is ofloxacin. An effective antimicrobial agent, often used in conjunction with antiviral drugs.

The agent is dripped into the conjunctival sac, 1 drop 2-4 times a day. Sometimes doctors consider it reasonable to prescribe drops and Floxal ointment together, applying the ointment 5 minutes after the introduction of the drops. The recommended treatment time is 2 weeks.

Tobrex

The active substance is tobramycin. Antibiotic with low absorption. Apply the drug every 4 hours for uncomplicated forms of blepharitis. If the disease is in the acute phase, to relieve inflammation, reduce the intervals between instillations to 30-60 minutes.

Tobrex is prescribed for uncomplicated forms of blepharitis.

Lofox

The active ingredient is lomefloxacin A broad-spectrum drug with bactericidal and antimicrobial properties. Active against gram-negative aerobic microorganisms. Prohibited for use during pregnancy, lactation and children under 18 years of age. Treatment with the drug is carried out for 7–9 days, instilling 1–2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the lower eyelid.

Normax

The active substance is norfloxacin. Active against many bacteria, used in the treatment of blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis. The drug is dripped every 6 hours, 1-2 drops into the affected eye. If necessary, an increase in the frequency of instillation with a break of 2 hours is allowed.

Maxitrol

It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Treatment is recommended for no more than 10 days, instilling 1-2 drops of the drug every 4-6 hours.

Are there differences in treatment between children and adults?

Blepharitis in a child is characterized by the same symptoms as in adults. The task of parents is not to self-medicate, but to show the child to a specialist who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Therapy depends on the specifics of the disease. In children, the most common cause of the disease is a tick.Demodex, helminthic invasions and bacterial inflammation in the sinuses.

Methods and methods of treating blepharitis in children practically do not differ from adults, with the exception that a number of drugs that are not indicated for children, including ophthalmic drops, are not used.

For example, often prescribed drops for blepharitis in adults - Levomycetin (the active substance is chloramphenicol), in the treatment of infants they try not to use it due to the toxicity of the drug to the bone marrow and to the body as a whole.

Levomycetin is rarely prescribed to children with blepharitis, and to pregnant women only in cases where the benefit to the mother is higher than the risk to the baby.

Is it possible to use drops during pregnancy

The occurrence of blepharitis in pregnant women is not uncommon. The causes of the disease can be associated with both unfavorable external conditions and the activation of internal pathogenic microorganisms and allergens due to a decrease in immunity.

Treatment of blepharitis in pregnant women is complicated by restrictions on the use of most drugs.

The basis in the treatment of inflammation for a pregnant woman is the hygiene of the eyelids, the removal of purulent layers with a wet swab. The appointment of special preparations in the form of ointments, gels and drops is carried out only by a doctor, after assessing the degree of the disease.

Most eye drops are contraindicated during pregnancy(for example, Floksal, Normax, Levomycetin). Drops such as Tobrex, Maxitrol, Diclofenac are prescribed if the benefit to the woman outweighs the risk of complications in the fetus. If blepharitis is detected during pregnancy, Albucid is often prescribed, which is also allowed during breastfeeding.

When using eye drops for blepharitis during pregnancy, they are recommended to be used according to the scheme: before instilling the second eye, after instilling the first, you need to take a break of 15-20 minutes.

To moisturize the epithelium of the cornea, to protect it from external influences, artificial tear drops, which are a keratoprotector, can be used. Proper use of a pronounced effect is noticeable on the 3-5th day of application. Treatment with the drug is also carried out under the supervision of a physician.

To relieve the symptoms of blepharitis, your doctor may prescribe artificial tears.

Hygiene of the eyelids with blepharitis is the basis of treatment. This is confirmed by a number of scientists from the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences of the Research Institute of Eye Diseases of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, who observed several dozen patients suffering from blepharoconjunctivitis and developed a number of eyelid hygiene measures, including preventive and therapeutic measures.

For this purpose, a whole range of effective hygiene products was developed: Blefarogel 1, Blefarogel 2, Blefaroshampun, which are based on natural plant extracts and hyaluronic acid. With the daily use of compresses and self-massage with the help of these preparations, they cleanse, moisturize the skin, increase elasticity, and have antiseptic properties.

In addition to professional products, you can clean with a decoction of calendula, chamomile, furatsilina solution. To do this, using a sterile cotton swab moistened with a solution, wipe the eyes from the outer edge to the inner. The procedure must be carried out 3-4 times a day.

To remove the sebaceous secret, use an alcohol tincture of calendula, washing with baby or tar soap.

Easily turning into a chronic form, blepharitis can cause serious complications. Therefore, during treatment, it is important to observe hygiene procedures and use drugs as directed by the doctor. In addition to drops, ointments, folk remedies, and physiotherapy are used to treat blepharitis. Severe cases require antibiotics and injections.

When treating, one should not forget that the origin of the disease has deep roots, therefore, along with hygiene and medical procedures, it is important to restore the body's immune forces.

Jul 24, 2017Anastasia Tabalina

Blepharitis is inflammation of the edges of the eyelids. It is considered a very common disease of the organs of vision, while it is difficult to treat.

Blepharitis often causes the loss of eyelashes, as well as a violation of the direction of their growth, bending the eyelashes under the eyelid.

In addition to discomfort, such phenomena can cause infection in the eye and inflammation of the inner part of the eyelid or cornea.

Causes of blepharitis

There are many factors that can lead to the development of pathology.

The main ones are:

• vitamin deficiency;
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• allergies, demodicosis, helminthic invasions;
• anemia;
• pathology of the endocrine system and metabolism;
• bacterial, viral infections;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, throat, teeth.

It has been proven that visual impairments (farsightedness, myopia, astigmatism) without correction contribute to the frequent occurrence of blepharitis. Aggravate the course of the disease can be unfavorable ecology, in particular, the excess concentration of harmful substances in the atmosphere, air pollution.

Classification of blepharitis

According to the characteristic manifestations of blepharitis are:

1. Simple.
2. Scaly.
3. Ulcerative.
4. Meibomian.
5. Like rosacea.
6. Demodectic.

According to the type of localization, blepharitis is differentiated into:

1. Anterior marginal (inflammatory processes occur along the ciliary edge of the eyelids).
2. Posterior marginal (the edge of the eyelids, sebaceous glands, sometimes the cornea and conjunctiva are affected).
3. Angular, or angular (pathology covers the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe corners of the eyes).

Depending on the course, blepharitis can develop in isolation or be combined with inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes. This disease is called blepharoconjunctivitis.

Symptoms of blepharitis

All types of the disease are characterized by a similar clinical picture. It is represented by redness, swelling along the edges of the eyelids, severe itching of the eyelids. But there are specific symptoms inherent in different types of blepharitis.

Symptoms of simple blepharitis

With simple blepharitis, the eyelids turn moderately red, the itching is also not too pronounced. There is rapid blinking of the eyes. A grayish bubbling liquid is separated from the corners of the eyes.

Symptoms of scaly blepharitis

Symptoms of scaly blepharitis (seborrhea of ​​the eyelids) include redness and severe dryness of the eyelids, a gradual thickening of their edges.

At the roots of the eyelashes, white or yellowish particles begin to form, consisting of dead epithelial cells and the secretion of the sebaceous glands. They fuse so tightly with the skin of the interciliary spaces that mechanical removal leads to injury to the eyelid.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Blepharitis

Ulcerative blepharitis develops against the background of inflammatory processes in the hair follicle and hair follicle of the eyelash, which end in purulent fusion of tissues.

Outwardly, this is manifested by the appearance of yellow, unpleasantly smelling crusts at the base of the eyelashes. The elimination of these crusts leads to the formation of ulcers with bleeding.

Symptoms of meibomian blepharitis

With meibomian blepharitis, the clinical picture is due to excessive secretion production by the sebaceous glands located on the eyelids, which causes their inflammation. Since the outflow of secretion is disturbed due to inflammatory processes, the liquid accumulates in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe roots of the eyelashes, forming gray-yellow crusts.

When they are removed, the eyelashes also easily come off the eyelid, and pus is released from the holes formed.

Symptoms of Blepharitis according to the type of rosacea

Rosacea-type blepharitis is reduced to the formation of red nodules on the eyelids, on the upper part of which small abscesses are localized.

In people suffering from this type of disease, acne often appears on the skin of the face.

Symptoms of demodectic blepharitis

Demodectic blepharitis develops due to damage to the skin by the demodex mite, or acne gland. This organism is classified as conditionally pathogenic, since it lives on the skin of any healthy person, but an increase in its population and the development of the disease do not always occur.

The main reason for the active reproduction of the tick is a decrease in immune defense.

Symptoms of demodicosis blepharitis are severe itching, hyperemia of the eyelids, peeling of the skin of the eyelids, loss of eyelashes, as well as general symptoms of an allergic lesion of the body. Usually, blepharitis is more difficult for those who like to visit tanning salons, beaches, and also when cosmetics are applied to the eyelids.

Some types of blepharitis lead to scarring, which disrupts the natural growth of eyelashes. As a result, areas of baldness (madarosis) or areas with abnormally growing eyelashes form on the eyelids.

The rims of the eyelids can become thicker and even turn inward or outward, harming the cornea and may cause reduced visual acuity. Often, blepharitis develops with the frequent use of mascara or the use of cosmetics that have expired or are of poor quality.

Diagnosis of blepharitis

The main diagnostic method is a visual examination by an ophthalmologist. The diagnosis is made on the basis of external signs of the disease.

Additionally, a microscopic examination of discharge from the eyes is performed.

Treatment of blepharitis

For a complete recovery, a rather long period (at least a month) is usually required. The treatment of blepharitis is complex, it includes both systemic therapy measures and external therapeutic methods.

The most important task is to eliminate the cause of the disease, which is achieved by:

• sanitation of foci of infection;
• change in diet;
• maintaining body hygiene at home and at work;
• therapy of allergic pathologies;
• correction and treatment of other eye diseases;
• elimination of helminthic invasions, etc.

Having established the type of blepharitis, the doctor selects the necessary methods of drug treatment. Frequently used drugs are antibiotics, sulfonamides, corticosteroids, antiseptics, antihistamines, vitamins, mineral complexes, immunocorrectors.

A complete change in the nature of nutrition may be required, as well as autohemotherapy.

The list of drugs for external use also depends on the type of blepharitis.

Eye ointments are applied in this way: with the help of the left hand, the lower eyelid is retracted to expose the conjunctiva. With a special glass rod, which is at this moment in the right hand, ointment, gel, cream are laid. Next, the patient closes the eye and gently massages the eyelid (10-20 seconds).

Treatment of simple and scaly blepharitis

After thoroughly cleaning the eyelashes from crusts (after pre-soaking them with synthomycin ointment or fish oil), the eyelids are disinfected using acceptable antiseptics (for example, sodium sulfacyl). Next, ointments or creams with antibacterial action (tetracycline, erythromycin ointments, etc.) are applied to the eyelid.

Eye creams (ointments, gels) with glucocorticosteroids (hydrocortisone ointment, prednisolone ointment, etc.) are also used.

The most effective external therapy, including complex agents with antibiotics and glucocorticosteroids (for example, dexagentamicin ointment). In parallel, solutions of sodium sulfacyl, albucide, zinc sulfate, prednisolone, dexamethasone and others are instilled into the eyes.

Treatment of ulcerative blepharitis

Scabs in the eyelid area are soaked with fish oil, petroleum jelly, or any ointment containing antibiotics or sulfonamides. The sores that appear are treated with alcohol, solutions of aniline dyes, tinctures of medicinal plants, colloidal silver and other antiseptic agents.

Bandage (gauze) applications with solutions of antibacterial drugs (tetracycline, penicillin, ciprofloxacin and others) will help eliminate inflammation and unpleasant symptoms.

The exposure time of drugs on the eyelids is up to 15 minutes four times a day. Before going to bed, the eyelids are carefully treated with ointments with antibacterial components. At the end of the discharge of pus and the formation of purulent crusts, external treatment is carried out (applications, lubrication of the eyelids) with glucocorticosteroid preparations.

Meibomian blepharitis treatment

To eliminate the symptoms of meibomian blepharitis, eyelid massage is performed 2-3 times a day for up to a month. Before a massage session, the eyelids are wiped with alcohol or any suitable alcohol-based liquid to eliminate sebaceous secretion.

This action is performed carefully with a cotton swab. Next, remove all scales and clots that cover the openings of the meibomian glands. Then antibacterial or sulfanilamide ointments are applied to the eyelid, a glass rod is taken and a light massage is performed.

At the end of the session, the eyelids are treated with a solution of brilliant green.

Treatment of allergic blepharitis

For the treatment of blepharitis, manifested against the background of an allergic reaction of the body, antihistamines (systemic and external), eye drops (for example, lodoxamide) are prescribed.

The eyelids are treated with ointments with glucocorticosteroids (for example, prednisolone ointment).

If blepharitis has an infectious-allergic etiology, ointments of complex action (with corticosteroids and antibiotics) are added to the treatment.

Treatment of demodectic blepharitis

Eye blepharitis is the name for a whole group of eye diseases caused by various causes. One thing unites them - inflammatory processes on the eyelids. Pathology lasts a long time, is difficult to treat, and if cured, relapses are possible.

The disease reduces the efficiency and quality of life of the patient. In some cases, it can deprive a person of vision.
With blepharitis, inflammatory processes are most often bilateral and cover the ciliary edges of the eyelids. In most cases, the acute course of the disease quickly turns into a persistent (chronic) form.
Usually blepharitis of the eye does not entail permanent destruction of vision. This is possible only in advanced cases. Pathology significantly worsens the condition and comfort of the patient's life, but is not contagious (contagious).

Inflammation of the eyelids is most common in older people. However, it also happens in children, young people, middle-aged patients.

Inflammation of the eyelids are a separate disease caused by pathogenic bacteria, mites or fungi. Often they are a consequence of farsightedness, keratoconjunctivitis ().

Blepharitis can also be a symptom that accompanies other pathologies: lack of trace elements or vitamins in the body (hypovitaminosis); tuberculosis; anemia allergy; chronic infection; diabetes; diseases of the nasopharynx, teeth, gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

By code ICD-10 eye blepharitis has an index H01.0.

Types of blepharitis

In ophthalmology, there are several types of eye blepharitis, consider the most common diseases:

Scaly blepharitis(Blepharitis squamosal) is also called simple blepharitis (Blepharitis simplex). With it, the eyelids itch, redden and thicken, photophobia (photophobia) develops, and the palpebral fissure decreases. At the base of the eyelashes, white or yellowish scales of dry epithelium and epidermis appear, tightly adhering to the skin. They are similar to dandruff.
Often blood vessels are visible on the eyelids. The patient is sensitive to dust and wind. By the end of the day, the patient feels a strong visual fatigue.

Ophthalmic rosacea(Blepharitis rosacea) is similar to scaly blepharitis, develops against the background of dermatological diseases of the face. Most of the patients suffering from rosacea have its manifestations in the eyes. But serious lesions of the eyelids, sclera and cornea of ​​​​the eyes are observed in only 18 percent of them.

With mild ophthalmic rosacea, dryness and irritation of the eyes, visual disturbances can be observed. In severe cases of the disease, lesions of the surface of the eyes appear. For example, .

Ulcerative blepharitis(Blepharitis ulcerosa) is the most severe form of the pathology, usually observed in young people. She is in severe pain. Dry crusts and bleeding ulcers appear along the edges of the eyelids. Eyelashes peel off with crusts, their holes fester.

New hair grows incorrectly, eyelids often go bald. Rarely, the eyelids roll up or scar. Without timely therapy, inflammation passes to the cornea and conjunctiva.

Allergic blepharitis often accompanied by . Appears due to an allergic reaction to dust, pollen and fluff, cosmetics, wool, medicines, perfumes, household chemicals. The patient develops swelling and itching of the eyelids, tearing, pain in the eyes and photophobia.

Inflammation mostly occurs in both eyes. With chronic blepharitis of the eye, itching becomes unbearable. In the spring, when the plants bloom, the patient experiences an exacerbation.

meibomian blepharitis(Blepharitis meibomiana). With this type of disease, the sebaceous glands (meibomia), located deep in the cartilage of the eyelids, swell. If you press them down, yellow discharge appears. Pus accumulates in the corners of the eyes. Pathology often occurs against the background of conjunctivitis.

When the disease occurs, itching of the eyelids, severe after a night's sleep. Eyes itch and discharge flows from them. Over time, the eyelids become thicker and redden. White flakes form at the base of the eyelashes.

seborrheic blepharitis caused by pathologies of the follicles and glands of the eyelashes. Often occurs against the background of seborrhea of ​​the sternum and head. Small greasy scales of gray color appear on the ciliary bases. If they are removed, the bleeding ulcers characteristic of ulcerative blepharitis do not form. Rarely, eyelashes fall out or turn gray.

• posterior marginal, inflammation affects the thickness of the eyelids and affects meimobia, a complication with this variety is the destruction of the conjunctiva and cornea;
• anterior marginal, the pathology covers only the ciliary bases and is divided according to etiology into staphylococcal and seborrheic;
• angular, in this case, the inflammatory process affects the corners of the eyes.

Causes of blepharitis

There are many factors that cause blepharitis, but they all lead to inflammation of the eyelids. Some patients have hypersensitivity to allergic agents: dust, cosmetics, pollen, smoke, wind, etc. As a result, they develop allergic blepharitis. With a complication on the mucous membrane of the eye, such patients are diagnosed with blepharoconjunctivitis.

Often, eye blepharitis itself is the cause of diabetes or pathology of the gastrointestinal tract: cholecystitis, colitis, ulcers, gastritis. These diseases destabilize a person's metabolism, this affects the condition of the eyes. For example, the structure of the secretions of the sebaceous glands changes, the excretory paths of which are located between the eyelashes.

Eyelids can be attacked by Demodex mites. They can live in hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and on the skin. If the patient's immunity is reduced due to illness or other factors, the pests become more active. Penetrating on the eyelashes and eyelids, they provoke demodectic inflammation.

Eye blepharitis is often observed in patients with and who do not use glasses, as a result of which the muscles of the eye become very tense. Feeling discomfort, a person rubs his eyes with his hands, introducing an infection, as a result of which blepharitis develops.

It happens that pathological microorganisms bring lymph and blood flow to the eyelids from a diseased tooth or other infectious foci. In this case, infectious blepharitis develops.

• reduced immunity;
• general weakening of the body;
• lack of vitamins and minerals;
• anemia;
• metabolic disorders.

Symptoms of blepharitis

All symptoms of blepharitis are intermittent, long periods of remission are replaced by a deterioration in the patient's condition. Symptoms are often more pronounced in the morning.

• feeling and sand in the eyes;
• increased sensitivity to light (photophobia);
• visual disturbances (decrease in its sharpness, fogging, feeling of a film on the eyes, etc.);
• itching, pain;
• pain in the eyes and eyelids;
• oily scales, crusts and dandruff at the base of the eyelashes;
• swelling, inflammation, thickening and redness of the eyelids, a feeling of heaviness in them;
• the formation of foamy discharge and pus in the eye corners;
• regular appearance of chalazions and barley;
• tearing or dry eyes;
• abnormal growth (trichiasis), partial or complete loss of eyelashes.

With posterior blepharitis, the excretory tracts of the sebaceous glands become inflamed. With the anterior, the tumor spreads to the follicles and the base of the eyelashes.

Symptoms of blepharitis are often associated with keratoconjunctivitis. With this disease, the lacrimal secret is not secreted in sufficient volumes or evaporates quickly. Most patients with blepharitis also have keratoconjunctivitis.

When inflammation of the eyelids occurs against the background of rosacea or seborrhea, the patient develops the corresponding symptoms.

Blepharitis in children: features and methods of treatment

Blepharitis in children appears with thin skin and loose tissues of the eyelids with a low fat content. A common cause of pathology is infection of the eyelids with Staphylococcus aureus against the background of a general weakening of the child.

Outdoor play, animal contact, toy sharing, etc., make babies' hands dirty. They do not like to wash them, but often rub their eyes, as a result of which viruses, microbes, worm eggs, sand, dust and other pathogenic agents get into them.

Children can get sick with all types of blepharitis. Pathology can develop imperceptibly for a long time. Because of this, therapy is started when the disease takes an acute form.

Often, blepharitis in children develops in a sluggish form, some of its traditional signs are not observed. There is a risk of complications: phlegmon, meibomitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis, etc. Due to unwashed hands, babies can become infected with a multiple infection that provokes combined forms of blepharitis.

• immunodeficiency;
• hypothermia;
• nervous and physical activity;
• current or cured infectious diseases;
• allergies;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• worm infection;
• diabetes;
• metabolic disorders;
• foreign objects in the eyes;
• infectious foci in the nose, mouth, tonsils, etc.;
• hormonal changes in the body during puberty;
• poor eye hygiene;
• congenital visual pathologies:, astigmatism, myopia;
• food allergies: diffuse neurodermatitis, diathesis, sensitivity to milk, etc.;
• beriberi, protein deficiency, anemia due to impaired absorption in the gastrointestinal tract or infection with worms.

• swelling, inflammation, redness and itching of the eyelids;
• narrowed palpebral fissure;
• the appearance of crusts on the base of the eyelashes and their loss;
• redness of proteins and dilated blood vessels on them;
• burning, stinging, sensation of a foreign object and a film in the eyes;

The photo shows the symptoms of blepharitis in children.

For the treatment of childhood blepharitis, eye drops are used: Miramistin, Sulfacil, Picloxidine. Antibacterial ointments are also used: Ophthalmotrim, Oriprim, Kolbiotsin.

Of the physiotherapeutic methods of treatment, magnetotherapy, ultraviolet irradiation, electrophoresis with and vitamins, ultra high-frequency therapy are used.

From herbal remedies for local treatment, tinctures of calendula and pharmacy chamomile are used. They have an anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition to therapeutic measures, the child's diet is adjusted; with allergic blepharitis, it should be hypoallergenic.

Diagnosis of blepharitis

Diagnosis of eye blepharitis is based on the clinical picture of the disease. It consists of the patient's complaints (anamnesis), the data of his examination, the identification of concomitant diseases and laboratory examinations.

Initially, the ophthalmologist determines the visual acuity of the patient. To detect myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, hypermetropia, the doctor examines the state of accommodation and refraction of the eyes.

Then biomicroscopy is performed. This is a visual examination to determine the structure and condition of the tear film, conjunctiva, eyelashes, cornea, and eyelid rims. The examination uses a slit lamp (ophthalmic microscope).

1. If necessary, an additional analysis is done in the diagnostic center. It reveals the microbial, cellular composition of the scraping from the conjunctiva, the detachable base of the eyelashes and the secret of the glands located there.

2. Demodectic blepharitis is diagnosed by microscopic examination of the removed eyelashes. Five pieces are taken from both eyes. The diagnosis is confirmed if the laboratory assistant finds 6 or more motile Demodex, their larvae, at the ciliary roots. If there are fewer ticks, then the person is a carrier, but not sick.

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

4. If the cause of the disease is allergic reactions, the patient visits an allergist. He orders allergy tests.

5. If you suspect an infection with worms, the doctor prescribes an analysis of feces for their eggs.

6. Chronic blepharitis with thickening of the bases of the eyelashes suggests carcinoma, basal cell, or squamous cell carcinoma. To confirm or refute the prognosis, a histological biopsy is performed.

7. A differential examination of anterior blepharitis is performed if the patient has eyelid cancer or keratoconjunctivitis.

Careful care of the eyelids is the basis of the treatment of blepharitis, regardless of the causes of the disease.

Treatment of blepharitis

Treatment of blepharitis in adults and children should be comprehensive. The treatment regimen includes the following items.

Eye hygiene. Apply warm wet compresses that warm the glands of the eyelid, accelerating the secretion and clearing the discharge paths. For a compress, use a gauze napkin, a sterile cotton ball and a soft towel. They shouldn't burn the skin. The procedure should be carried out four times a day for ten minutes.

Eyelid cleansing. With a gauze napkin or a cotton swab dipped in warm water with baby shampoo, movements along the edge of the eyelids are cleaned of crusts, dandruff, scales and other discharge.
The first two points enable the patient to keep the eyelids clean. It removes at the same time pathological discharge and excessively produced secret of the sebaceous glands. This reduces the risk of re-infection.

Strengthening immunity. The patient takes vitamin complexes. His diet should be rich in trace elements and vitamins, protein, unsaturated fatty acids. If the patient's immunodeficiency is diagnosed using an immunogram, he takes immunostimulating agents.

Physiotherapy and eyelid massage for blepharitis. The patient performs simple exercises for the eyes every day, and then massages the eyelids to improve blood flow in them and relieve swelling.

With infectious and demodicosis blepharitis, the basis of drug therapy is etiotropic treatment. Its purpose is to destroy the pathogen. It is carried out after cleansing the eyelids.

In order for the therapy to be effective, the cause of the inflammation is determined before it is carried out. Then, according to the antibiogram test, it is determined which antibacterial and antiseptic drugs are most effective against the identified pathogen.

With allergic blepharitis, the doctor prescribes antihistamines: Suprastin, Loratadin, Allercaps, Neokler, Erius, etc. Hydrocartisone ointment is also an effective remedy.

With blepharitis accompanied by dry eye syndrome, the doctor prescribes drugs that replace the natural lacrimal secret: Vizin, Oftolik, Likontin, Okumetil, Vizimetin, etc. In the early days, the remedy is instilled throughout the day every hour of wakefulness. After 7-14 days, when a recession occurs, the dosage of the drug is reduced.

In particularly difficult cases of keratoconjunctivitis, the patient is shown surgical clogging of the lacrimal openings. They represent the beginning of the nasolacrimal duct. Their location is the inner corners of the eyes. The lacrimal punctum drains fluid from the eyes.

Treatment of blepharitis at home

Many people wonder how to treat eye blepharitis at home. In addition to drug therapy, hundreds of years have been treating blepharitis at home with folk remedies that can be very effective. But before using them, do not forget that this type of therapy must be approved by your doctor. Here are the most effective recipes that you can easily make at home:

1. Take one tablespoon celandine and pour into half a liter of boiling water. After the broth has stood for half an hour, strain it. Using this tincture, make compresses on your eyes 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes.

2. With blepharitis, the eye is very useful freshly squeezed aloe juice. Drink it three times a day, one teaspoon. Or drip into both eyes (before going to bed) two drops of this healing moisture.

3. Burr oil has an anti-inflammatory effect. It also promotes hair growth. Lubricate the base of the eyelashes with it. Do this before bed at night.

4. The following recipe gives a good effect. Pour one tablespoon into a glass of water (200 ml) cumin seeds. Stir the mixture and put to cook on a slow fire for about half an hour. After that, throw into the broth a teaspoon of eyebright leaves, plantain and cornflower flowers. Remove the infusion from the heat and leave to cool for half a day in a dry and warm place. Next, boil the broth for 5 minutes, strain it through cheesecloth and let it cool. The infusion should be applied to the eyes two drops twice a day.

5. Anti-inflammatory effect rose hips known for a long time. Pour 10 grams of them into a glass of water. Boil 20 minutes. Remove from heat and strain through several layers of cheesecloth. Rinse your eyes with this decoction every morning.

6. Inflammation of the eyelids is well relieved eucalyptus leaves. Boil two tablespoons (30 grams) of them in a water bath in a glass of water for 30 minutes. Then let the broth cool and strain through cheesecloth, folded in several layers. Dilute the resulting infusion with boiled water in a ratio of 1:1. Use it for compresses.

7. Lemon juice relieves inflammation, accelerates the processes of tissue regeneration, saturates them with biologically active substances. Take a glass of boiled water. Squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon into it. Rinse your eyes with this solution for a month.

Prevention of blepharitis

The most important condition for the successful prevention of blepharitis and further inflammation of the eyelids is hygiene and cleansing of the eyes. These procedures are performed in the same way as in the treatment of blepharitis.

Eyelids should not be touched, rubbed, especially if the hands are dirty. So you can introduce an additional infection and injure the base of the eyelashes. This will entail a severe form of blepharitis, which will be very difficult to cure. There is also a chronic, incurable form of the disease. With it, long periods of recession are possible, but not a complete cure.

In the prevention of blepharitis, it is important to regularly clean and disinfect the eyes. For this purpose, a solution of Furacilin or infusions of calendula, pharmacy chamomile is used. The eyelids are rubbed from the outer corner towards the inner edge of the eye. Sterile cotton swabs are used for the procedure.

The lifestyle and diet of the patient should be healthy. It is important that the food consumed has enough trace elements and vitamins.

When pathologies of the respiratory tract, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract appear, they must be treated in a timely manner.
It is necessary to avoid interaction with allergenic agents, including seasonal ones, which cause inflammation of the eyelids in the patient. If this still happened, you need to urgently contact an ophthalmologist.

It is better for women to refrain from using cosmetics. It will irritate the eyelids and mucous membranes of the eyes. This will worsen the course of the disease and delay its recession.

Video

Blepharitis is considered the most common eye disease. According to statistics, about 30% of the population suffers from pathology. All age categories are susceptible to the disease, but the peak of detected cases of pathology is observed in people aged 40 to 70 years.

Blepharitis belongs to an etiologically heterogeneous group of ophthalmic diseases. Inflammation of the rim of the eyelids can be caused by many different factors, some of which are not related to the eyes at all. In some cases signs of blepharitis are symptoms of more severe pathologies.

Often blepharitis requires long and persistent treatment. Over time, the likelihood of chalazion formation, the development of conjunctivitis and keratitis increases, which can adversely affect vision. Both the symptoms and the treatment of the disease are within the competence of the ophthalmologist.

THE REASONS

The etiology of blepharitis is diverse, therefore, local and general causes of the disease are distinguished.

Reasons for the development of blepharitis:

Local- associated with chronic ophthalmic diseases (uncorrected hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism and dry keratoconjunctivitis), demodicosis, allergic reactions to various irritants. Viruses, bacteria, mites and microscopic fungi act as the causative agent. The cause of the disease can be conditionally pathogenic microflora.

General include: metabolic disorders (vitamin deficiency, diabetes mellitus), diseases of the digestive system (cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, gastritis, colitis), immunodeficiency, helminthic invasions, dermatological diseases (psoriasis, impetigo, seborrhea, dermatitis, acne, eczema ), diseases of the upper respiratory tract, caries and inflammation of the salivary glands.

Usually, the infection spreads from the focus throughout the body through the bloodstream and causes infection of the eyelids.

In elderly people, atrophic processes gradually develop in the epithelial tissue, which can cause susceptibility to infection. Blepharitis in childhood is often caused by dirty hands, on which there are a lot of infectious pathogens of various kinds. With blepharitis of the eye, inflammation, as a rule, develops against the background of a persistent decrease in immunity.

Infectious pathogens of blepharitis:

• bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, Pfeiffer and Morax-Axenfeld bacilli);
• viruses (causative agents of herpes simplex or herpes zoster, molluscum contagiosum);
• fungi of the genus Pityrosporum;
• arthropods (mites from the genus Demodex and lice).

CLASSIFICATION

Etiological classification of blepharitis:

• infectious;
• non-infectious.

Classification according to clinical signs:

• simple;
• meibomian;
• scaly (seborrheic);
• ulcerative (staphylococcal);
• acne (rosacea-blepharitis);
• allergic;
• demodectic (tick-borne);
• mixed.

Classification of blepharitis according to anatomical features:

• marginal anterior - the focus of inflammation is located along the eyelash growth line;
• marginal posterior - in addition to the edge of the eyelid, inflammation affects the tissue of the sebaceous glands and can spread to the cornea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eye;
• angular, or angular type, - inflammation is concentrated in the inner corner of the eye.

SYMPTOMS

Each type of blepharitis has characteristic features.

Common clinical signs of blepharitis:

• swelling and redness of the skin of the eyelids;
• hyperemia at the base of the eyelashes;
• severe itching;
• sometimes - loss of eyelashes;
• susceptibility to irritants and sunlight;
• purulent lesions along the edge of the eyelid.

Symptoms of blepharitis depending on their type:

Simple blepharitis. The first symptoms of this type of blepharitis are moderate redness of the eyelids, which is accompanied by severe itching and frequent blinking movements, while white foamy discharge accumulates in the inner corner of the eye.

Scaly, or seborrheic, - the eyelids thicken, turn red, coarsened scales form on them from a mixture of the secretion of the sebaceous glands and epithelial cells. When removing the crusts under them, you can see a thin reddened skin.

meibomian- the sebaceous (meibomian) glands on the cartilage of the eyelid become inflamed, outwardly they look like translucent bubbles under the lash line. When pressing on this cartilage, a secret is released in the form of an oily liquid. There is tearing and swelling of the eyelid tissues.

ulcerative(staphylococcal) occurs with purulent inflammation of the hair follicles of the eyelashes. Yellow crusts appear at the roots of the hairs, in place of which, after removal, small bleeding ulcers remain.

Demodectic(tick-borne) - there is a thickening and hyperemia of the edges of the eyelids, white muffs and scales are found on the eyelashes. Unbearable itching appears, eyelashes become thinner and fall out. Due to tissue scarring, abnormal growth of eyelashes or their complete loss can be observed.

Allergic blepharitis is usually combined with bilateral reddening of the mucous membrane of the eye. The acute form of the disease is manifested by sudden swelling, tearing, itching, photophobia and mucous discharge from the eye. Seasonal exacerbation is associated with flowering plants, and with prolonged local use of drugs, medicinal blepharitis develops.

acne(rosacea-blepharitis) is often combined with the appearance of rosacea. On the eyelids, grayish-red nodules with pustules (pustules) are found.

DIAGNOSTICS

The diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist when examining a patient based on his complaints, external manifestations of the disease and laboratory data.

Diagnostic methods:

• checking the state of refraction and accommodation;
• eye biomicroscopy;
• diagnosis of visual acuity;
• sowing a smear taken from the conjunctiva of the eye;
• microscopic examination of eyelashes to check for demodicosis;
• allergy tests;
• clinical tests, checking blood sugar levels;
• analysis of feces for eggs of worms in case of suspicion of helminthic invasion;
• biopsy and histological examination of tissue for suspected cancer.

Differential diagnosis of long-term inflammation of the eyelids is carried out to exclude or confirm cancer of the sebaceous glands, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

TREATMENT

As a rule, the treatment of blepharitis is protracted and requires the use of local and general medications, as well as physiotherapy techniques. To prescribe the treatment of blepharitis and prevent possible relapses, it is important to identify the cause of the disease.

General principles for the treatment of blepharitis:

• antibacterial drugs in the form of ointments and solutions;
• sulfonamides;
• antiseptics;
• antihistamines;
• glucocorticosteroids;
• vitamin therapy;
• complete nutrition;
• increased immunity;
• autohemotherapy in persistent disease;
• elimination of comorbidities.

Methods for the treatment of blepharitis:

Simple blepharitis. Scales and dried crusts are removed with a moistened cotton swab and these places are treated with antiseptic solutions. Then an ointment with a sulfanilamide or an antibiotic is applied to the affected area. Sometimes combined preparations are used, which contain an antibiotic and a hormonal anti-inflammatory component. Drops containing an antibacterial active substance are instilled into the cavity of the conjunctiva.

Scaly(seborrheic). The eyelid is lubricated with a steroid anti-inflammatory ointment, moisten the mucous membrane of the eye and eliminate the symptoms of conjunctivitis.

meibomian. For several weeks, massage is carried out with a glass rod and antibacterial ointments. Before each procedure, the edges of the eyelids are treated with alcohol-containing solutions, crusts and plaque are removed from the surface of the glands. After the massage, antiseptic agents are applied to the inflamed surface.

ulcerative(staphylococcal). The crusts are softened with fish oil or products containing petroleum jelly. After removing the crusts, the ulceration sites are treated with an antiseptic. Applications of antibiotic solutions help relieve inflammation. In addition, antibiotics in the form of an ointment are applied to the surface of the eyelids before going to bed. In the absence of purulent discharge, glucocorticosteroid ointments can be used.

Allergic. Antihistamines are used not only locally, but also systemically orally. Therapy includes the use of antiallergic drops and glucocorticosteroid ointments. If, against the background of an allergic reaction, infection of the mucous membranes of the eye occurs, then a combined preparation containing not only an antihistamine, but also an antibiotic is prescribed.

Surgical Treatment of blepharitis is required in rare cases. Often such a need arises with the development of complications. Surgery is performed to remove a chalazion, to correct a torsion of the eyelid, or for eyelid surgery for trichiasis.

COMPLICATIONS

Possible complications of blepharitis:

• chalazion;
• chronic;
• corneal injury;
• keratitis;
• abnormal growth of eyelashes;
• scar tissue of the eyelid;
• deformation of the edge of the eyelid;
• development of abscesses;
• difficulty using contact lenses;
• excessive tearing;
• dryness of the mucous membrane of the eye.

PREVENTION

Measures to prevent blepharitis:

• strict observance of personal hygiene;
• isolation of personal belongings (towel, pillow) of the patient from other family members;
• timely treatment of diseases of the sebaceous glands;
• treatment of chronic diseases;
• correction of pathologies of refraction of the eye;
• the use of drugs only as prescribed by a doctor;
• minimizing contact with allergenic substances;
• strengthening the body's defenses;
• normal sanitary working and living conditions.

PROGNOSIS FOR RECOVERY

Despite the fact that the disease is characterized by a protracted course and frequent relapses, the prognosis for systemic and timely treatment is generally favorable. Most often there are difficulties with the treatment of staphylococcal form of blepharitis. In this case, there is a risk of complications in the form of barley, chalazion, trichiasis, deformation of the edges of the eyelids, keratitis, chronic conjunctivitis and deterioration in visual function.

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