Symptoms of blepharitis and types of disease

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the edges of the eyelids. This disease is quite common and difficult to treat. The cause of the development of the disease can be a viral infection, anemia, infectious diseases in chronic form, allergic manifestations, gastrointestinal diseases, nasopharynx, untimely cured caries, improper correction of vision. Often its development is facilitated by external negative factors (smoke, dust, wind and others).

Symptoms of the disease

The main symptoms of blepharitis: rapid onset fatigue of the eyes, itching, a feeling of heaviness, sand in the eyes, redness and puffiness of the eyelids, their thickening, the appearance of scales on them, improper growth and loss of eyelashes, strong sensitivity to external stimuli, light.

Depending on the type of disease, there may be a variation in the characteristics that characterize blepharitis. Symptoms of the photo express somewhat different, which is due to the unequal conditions of the onset of the disease and the difference in anatomical features (lesion of the anterior margin, posterior and angular).

Distinguish blepharitis ulcerative, scaly, meibomian, rosacea. Simple, or scaly, type of disease is expressed by hyperemia, severe itching, thickening of the eyelids, the formation of scales resembling dandruff at the roots of eyelashes. There is photophobia, sensitivity to wind, dust and other stimuli increases.

Symptoms of blepharitis ulcerative are characterized by a purulent inflammatory process in the ciliary follicles and the formation of ulcers along the edges of the eyelids, which are covered with crusts. When they are removed, eyelashes drop out, pus appears in their place. In the future, there may be a partial baldness of the edge of the eyelid or an improper growth of the eyelashes. This is one of the most serious forms of the disease.

Mabemia blepharitis is more often caused by hypersecretion (reduced or increased secretion production) of cartilage glands of the century. There is an inflammation of the meibomian glands, of which the contents are yellowish white when pressed. Characteristic features of this species: the thickening of the eyelids, the formation of grayish-yellow crusts on them, the accumulation of foamy-purulent contents in the corners of the eyes. Often the disease is accompanied by conjunctivitis.

Rosacea (demodectic blepharitis) is characterized by the formation on the skin of the eyelids of small grayish-red nodules, often combined with pink acne. The cause is the demodex mite, which inhabits the hair follicles. At the initial stage of the disease, the symptoms of rosacea blepharitis are as follows: in the field of the eyelids, discomfort, itching, often intolerable. Then there are sticky discharge, reddening and thickening of the eyelids, the appearance of a so-called clutch.

Blepharitis of an allergic nature is distinguished, in addition to the main signs of the disease, as well as symptoms such as mucous discharge, photophobia, eyelid edema, lachrymation. An unbearable itch is more common in a chronic stage. This type of blepharitis can be accompanied by inflammation of the mucosa and have a seasonal character. Its cause is often increased sensitivity to dust, fluff, wool, household chemicals, medicines.

Blepharitis. Symptoms and treatment of the disease

At the first signs of manifestation of the disease, it is better to consult an ophthalmologist for examination and passing a laboratory test. Ignoring the doctor's recommendations can lead to serious complications. Frequent relapses, debilitating sickness manifestations of the disease, a decrease in efficiency are far from being the whole list of consequences. Immediate treatment of blepharitis helps to avoid severe forms of the disease, which can lead to the emergence of chalazion, inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, to loss of vision.

The complex course of treatment and its duration depend on the type of blepharitis and its causes. With complicated forms (eyelid twisting, presence of scars) surgical intervention is performed.

Symptoms of blepharitis In some cases require a more serious examination of the patient, as they may be caused by systemic diseases of the body or problems associated with visual impairment.

Preventive measures to prevent blepharitis are strengthening immunity, treatment of co-morbidities, nutrition, observance of basic personal hygiene (personal means of everyday use, washing hands).