Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids caused by the proliferation of normal bacteria that reside along the base of the eyelashes. This overgrowth of bacteria can lead to clogging of the oil-producing glands along the lash line, and can permanently damage these glands and the eyelids if left untreated. There are two types of blepharitis: anterior and posterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis occurs at the outside margin of the eyelid where the eyelashes reside, and posterior blepharitis occurs at the inner margin of the eyelid that contacts the eyeball.
Blepharitis can present with a variety of symptoms, such as redness and swelling of the eyelids, crust formation along the lashes, and dry, burning light-sensitive eyes. The prevalence of blepharitis increases with age and may be associated with other conditions like acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
There are two types: Anterior Blepharitis, Posterior Blepharitis.
Anterior blepharitis is when the outer region of the eyelids, the place where the eyelashes are connected, is affected. It is mainly caused by staphylococcus bacteria and dandruff.
In contrast, posterior blepharitis is the condition that affects the eyelid’s inner most part that is touching the eye. It produces beneficial oils from the meibomian glands that get clogged up, causing a nodule called chalazion to form. It is caused by certain acne and dandruff.
Proper eyelid hygiene is the mainstay of blepharitis treatment. Your doctor may recommend a combination of warm compresses to loosen debris along your eyelashes and to open the glands along your eyelids, lid-cleansing wipes, oral antibiotics, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ointments, nutritional supplements, and the BlephEx eyelid hygiene treatment.