الصفحات

Blepharitis

احدث اجدد واروع واجمل واشيك Blepharitis

Blepharitis (blef-uh-RI-tis) is inflammation that affects the eyelids. Blepharitis usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow.

Blepharitis occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes malfunction. This leads to inflamed, irritated and itchy eyelids. Several diseases and conditions can cause blepharitis.

Blepharitis is often a chronic condition that is difficult to treat. Blepharitis can be uncomfortable and may be unattractive, but it usually doesn't cause permanent damage to eyesight.
Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of blepharitis include:

    * Watery eyes
    * Red eyes
    * A gritty, burning sensation in the eye
    * Eyelids that appear greasy
    * Itchy eyelids
    * Red, swollen eyelids
    * Flaking of the skin around the eyes
    * Crusted eyelashes upon awakening
    * Sensitivity to light
    * Eyelashes that grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes)
    * Loss of eyelashes

When to see a doctor
If you have signs and symptoms that don't seem to be improving despite good hygiene — regular cleaning and care of the affected area — make an appointment with your doctor.
Causes

Blepharitis occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes malfunction. Blepharitis is often a chronic condition, meaning that it may require long-term care.

Diseases and conditions that can cause blepharitis include:

    * Seborrheic dermatitis — dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
    * A bacterial infection
    * Malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelid
    * Rosacea — a skin condition characterized by facial redness
    * Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens solutions or eye makeup
    * Eyelash mites

Blepharitis may be caused by a combination of factors.

Complications

If you have blepharitis, you may experience:

    * Eyelash problems. Blepharitis can cause your eyelashes to fall out or grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes).
    * Eyelid skin problems. Scarring may occur on your eyelids in response to long-term blepharitis.
    * Sty. A sty is an infection that develops near the base of the eyelashes. The result is a painful lump on the edge or inside of your eyelid. A sty is usually most visible on the surface of the eyelid.
    * Chalazion. A chalazion occurs when there's a blockage in one of the small oil glands at the margin of the eyelid, just behind the eyelashes. The gland can become infected with bacteria, which causes a red, swollen eyelid. Unlike a sty, a chalazion tends to be most prominent on the inside of the eyelid.
    * Excess tearing or dry eyes. Abnormal oily secretions and other debris shed from the eyelid, such as flaking associated with dandruff, can accumulate in your tear film — the water, oil and mucus solution that forms tears. Abnormal tear film interferes with the healthy lubrication of your eyelids. This can irritate your eyes and cause dry eyes or excessive tearing.
    * Chronic pink eye. Blepharitis can lead to recurrent bouts of pink eye (conjunctivitis).
    * Injury to the cornea. Constant irritation from inflamed eyelids or misdirected eyelashes may cause a sore (ulcer) to develop on your cornea. Insufficient tearing could predispose you to a corneal infection.

Preparing for your appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. If your doctor suspects you may have an eyelid problem, such as blepharitis, you may be referred to an eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist).

Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

    * Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as remove your contact lenses.
    * Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
    * Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
    * Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For blepharitis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

    * What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
    * What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
    * What kinds of tests do I need?
    * Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
    * What is the best course of action?
    * Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
    * Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance it?
    * Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
    * Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What Web sites do you recommend?
    * What will determine whether I should plan for a follow-up visit?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may allow more time to cover points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:

    * When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
    * Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
    * Do your symptoms occur at a particular time of day?
    * Have you been wearing contact lenses?
    * Have you changed cosmetic brands recently?
    * Have you changed soap or shampoo brands recently?
    * What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
    * What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
    * Has anyone close to you had a recent eye infection?
    * Have you had any eye diseases, eye surgeries or eye injuries in the past?
    * Do you have other diseases or conditions?
    * What medications are you taking?

What you can do in the meantime
As you wait for your appointment, you may find some relief from eye irritation by gently washing your eyes a few times each day. To wash your eyes:

    * Apply a warm washcloth to your closed eyes for five minutes.
    * Gently rub your closed eyelids with a diluted solution of baby shampoo. Use a clean washcloth or clean fingers.
    * Rinse your eyes thoroughly with warm water.

Avoid anything that irritates your eyes, such as eye makeup and contact lenses.

Tests and diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose blepharitis include:

    * Examining your eyelids. Your doctor will carefully examine your eyelids and your eyes. He or she may use a special magnifying instrument during the examination.
    * Swabbing skin for testing. In certain cases, your doctor may use a swab to collect a sample of the oil or crust that forms on your eyelid. This sample can be analyzed for bacteria, fungi or evidence of an allergy.

Treatments and drugs

Treatment for blepharitis can include:

    * Cleaning the affected area regularly. Cleaning your eyelids with a warm washcloth can help control signs and symptoms. Self-care measures may be the only treatment necessary for most cases of blepharitis.
    * Antibiotics. Eyedrops containing antibiotics applied to your eyelids may help control blepharitis caused by a bacterial infection. In certain cases, antibiotics are administered in cream, ointment or pill form.
    * Steroids eyedrops or ointments. Eyedrops or ointments containing steroids can help control inflammation in your eyes and your eyelids.
    * Artificial tears. Lubricating eyedrops or artificial tears, which are available over-the-counter, may help relieve dry eyes.
    * Treating underlying conditions. Blepharitis caused by seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea or other diseases may be controlled by treating the underlying disease.

Blepharitis rarely disappears completely. Even with successful treatment, relapses are common.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Clean your eyes daily
If you have blepharitis, follow this self-care remedy once or twice a day:

    * Apply a warm compress over your closed eye for five minutes to loosen the crusty deposits on your eyelids.
    * Immediately afterward, use a washcloth moistened with warm water and a few drops of baby shampoo to wash away any oily debris or scales at the base of your eyelashes.
    * In some cases, you may need to be more deliberate about cleaning the edge of your eyelid where your eyelashes are located. To do this, pull your eyelid away from your eye and use the washcloth to gently wash the area. This helps avoid damaging your cornea with the washcloth. Ask your doctor whether you should use a topical antibiotic ointment after cleaning your eyelids in this way.
    * Rinse your eyelid with warm water and gently pat it dry with a clean, dry towel.

Continue this treatment until your signs and symptoms disappear. Although you may be able to decrease the frequency of eyelid soaking and washing, you should maintain an eyelid care routine to keep the condition under control. If you experience a flare-up, resume once or twice daily self-care treatment.

Control dandruff
If you have dandruff that's contributing to your blepharitis, ask your doctor to recommend a dandruff shampoo. Using a dandruff-controlling shampoo may relieve your blepharitis signs and symptoms.

...

المشاركات الشائعة