Eyelid Margin Disease, Including Blepharitis

What Is Eyelid Margin Disease?

Eyelid margin disease is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids. Symptoms include:

• Eye and eyelid irritation
• Itchiness of the eye
• Redness of the eye

This condition frequently occurs in people who have a tendency towards oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes.

With blepharitis, both the upper and lower eyelids become coated with oily particles and bacteria near the base of the eyelashes. It may cause irritation, itchiness, redness, and stinging or burning of the eye.

What Causes Blepharitis?

Everyone has bacteria on the surface of their skin, but in some people, bacteria thrive in the skin at the base of the eyelashes. Large amounts of bacteria around the eyelashes can cause dandruff-ike scales and particles to form along the lashes and eyelid margins.

Blepharitis also is associated with meibomitis — dysfunction and inflammation of the nearby oil glands of the eyelids (called meibomian glands).

With blepharitis, the eyelids become coated with oily partials and bacteria near the base of the eyelashes.

How Is Blepharitis Treated?

Blepharitis is often a chronic condition, but it can be controlled with the following treatment:

• Warm compresses. Wet a clean washcloth with warm water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eyelids for at least one minute. Repeat two or three times, rewetting the washcloth as it cools. This will loosen scales and debris around your eyelashes. It also helps dilute oil secretions from nearby oil glands, preventing the development of a chalazion (pronounced kuh-LAY-zee-un) — an enlarged lump caused by clogged oil secretions in the eyelid.
• Eyelid scrubs. Using a clean washcloth, cotton swab or commercial lint-free pad soaked in warm water, gently scrub the base of your eyelashes for about 15 seconds per eyelid.
• Antibiotic ointment. Your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Using a clean fingertip or cotton swab, gently apply a small amount at the base of the eyelashes before bedtime. Artificial tears or steroid eyedrops also may be prescribed temporarily to relieve dry eye or inflammation.
• Good hygiene. Because blepharitis can be a persistent problem, you should practice good skin and eyelid hygiene to prevent recurrences. In addition to careful cleansing of your eyelashes, washing your hair, scalp and eyebrows with antibacterial shampoo also can help control blepharitis.