What is it?
The symptoms reported by the patient are burning, a sensation of heat and eyelid heaviness. Of particular importance is itching, because it leads the patient to rub his eyelid vigorously, which can lead to the formation of skin lesions and the exacerbation of inflammation as well as the establishment of bacterial overgrowth. In more severe forms, eyelid swelling, localised blinking pain and discomfort from light (photophobia) may appear.
Blepharitis may present a subacute or chronic evolution.
The symptoms reported by the patient are burning, a sensation of heat and eyelid heaviness. Of particular importance is itching, because it leads the patient to rub his eyelid vigorously, which can lead to the formation of skin lesions and the exacerbation of inflammation as well as the establishment of bacterial overgrowth. In more severe forms, eyelid swelling, localised blinking pain and discomfort from light (photophobia) may appear.
Causes of blepharitis include:
- impaired secretion of the meibomian glands
- uncorrected refractive defects such as hypermetropia and astigmatism
- dermatoses such as seborrheic eczema
- eating disorders such as avitaminosis and dyspepsia
- diabetes or dyslipidaemia
- allergies or environmental factors such as dust or smoke
- mites (Demodex)
A separate case is bacteria, staphylococci and streptococci, as they can be the primary cause of blepharitis but also complicate the picture. It is therefore essential to observe the most common rules of hygiene to minimise the risk of infection in the case of blepharitis.
A particular type of blepharitis is caused by a mite that feeds on the fatty secretions of cells:
Demodex folliculorum (demodicosis of the eyelashes).
These can cause clogging of the eyelash follicles;
In some cases, these mites are also associated with the development of skin diseases such as rosacea. Cleansing of the eyelids, carried out specifically, is absolutely essential in this case.
Staphylococcal blepharitis
Demodex blepharitis
A particular type of blepharitis is caused by a mite that feeds on the fatty secretions of cells
It is demodex folliculorum. On the left a follicle of a ciglis infested with Demodex.