Blepharitis

Blepharitis:
Blepharitis is a common condition that is caused by inflammation of the eyelid. It results in red, scaly,
and thickened eyelids and typically some loss of the eyelashes. Blepharitis may be due to either Staphylococcus
epidermidis orStaphylococcus aureus (types of bacteria), seborrheic dermatitis (a type of skin inflammation of
unknown cause), or a mixture of the two. It is sometimes associated with rosacea of the face. The most common
complaints are itching, flaking of the lids, and burning. Blepharitis is initially treated by applying hot compresses to the
affected eye, followed by an eyelid scrub. If the condition persists, you should see the doctor, who may prescribe
antibiotics.
Lice: The eyelids can become infested with one of two different lice, the crab louse (Phthirus pubis) or the head
louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). Lice in the eyelids cause symptoms and signs that are similar to those of
blepharitis (red, scaly, and thickened eyelids, usually with some loss of the eyelashes). It is common in young school-
age children. One can sometimes see movements of the adult lice at the base of the lashes. Petrolatum or a non-
medicated ointment is applied to the eyelid and suffocates the lice eggs. RID, NIX, A-2000, or any other preparation
that is designed for use in the hair should not be used near the eyes.
Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that causes swelling, scaling, or redness of the
eyelid with intense itching. This condition usually is triggered by the use of a new product (soap or makeup) or
exposure to a foreign substance. If both the upper and lower eyelids are affected, the cause of the inflammation is
likely to be an allergic reaction. Antihistamines that are taken by mouth can be used to treat contact dermatitis of the
eyelid.
Foreign substance: Lint, dust, an eyelash, or other foreign matter can become stuck in the eye. When the
substance cannot easily be removed either with your finger, water, or an eye irrigating solution, a doctor should be
seen.
Thermal damage: Thermal damage is a burn injury to eye itself. Exposure to the sun's UV radiation during outdoor
activities is an example of minor ocular thermal damage. An eye lubricant can be applied to soothe the eye. If there is
no relief to the eye after 24 hours, a physician should be seen. A more severe thermal injury to the eye, for example,
from a welder's arc or from sunlamp exposure, warrants the immediate attention of a doctor.
Conjunctivitis: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergy, or inflammation-promoting agents can cause inflammation of the

palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, also known asconjunctivitis. The inflammation causes enlargement of the blood
vessels in the conjunctiva ("congestion") and causes the conjunctiva to become red ("bloodshot"). Itchy eyes may or
may not accompany the inflammation. The eyelids may be stuck together in the morning and there may be tearing or
discharge from the eye or eyes. The congestion and itchiness can be temporarily treated with ocular decongestants,
but the underlying cause may need treatment as well.
Dry eye: Dry eye is characterized by a white or mildly reddened eye combined with a sandy, gritty, dry feeling.
Paradoxically, dry eye can sometimes be accompanied by excessive reflex tearing. The dryness itself can stimulate
an increase in the production of tears. Dry eye, also known as KCS or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is very common and
is increasing in frequency due to an aging population and increased pollution in the air. Dry eye is more common in
females. It is sometimes associated with dry mouth (Sjogren's syndrome) or autoimmune diseases. Other factors
thought to contribute to dry eye are some drugs such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or diuretics (water pills).
There are many OTC eye drops available for the self-medication of dry eyes. These vary in their formulations,
consistency, and preservatives used. Although these lubricants are effective for treating many cases of dry eye, a
physician also should be consulted.
Hordeolum: Commonly referred to as a sty, a hordeolum is an inflammation of the glands within the eyelid. The
primary sign of a hordeolum is a tender, raised nodule on the eyelid. Sometimes, the eyelid is so swollen that the eye
appears to be completely shut. A hordeolum is usually caused by the same bacteria that are linked to blepharitis.
Recurrent hordeolum can be associated with rosacea. Treatment usually is with hot compresses several times per
day, but if the problem worsens or does not clear within a week, a physician should be seen. Antibiotics may be
necessary.
Chalazion: A chalazion looks similar to a hordeolum. A chalazion is a raised nodule without the tenderness of a

hordeolum. Like a hordeolum, it is treated with hot compresses. If the chalazion persists, a physician should be
consulted.
The need for prescription eyeglasses could come from many different eye conditions. The
most common eye disorders are Farsightedness, Nearsightedness and Presbyopia.
Nearsightedness, otherwise known as Myopia, is the most common eye disorder. It occurs
when light focuses in front of the retina rather than focusing on the retina. The symptoms
for Myopia are blurred vision on objects that are in the distance. Squinting the eye will
actually make the object clearer. Vision can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses with
either a bifocal or trifocal lens.
Farsightedness, or Hyperopia, is just the opposite of Myopia. The light focuses behind the
retina instead of in front of the retina. One common symptom of Hyperopia is headaches or
the eyes will become tired from reading. It is difficult to see objects that are within close
range. In children, the most common symptom is crossed eyes. Again this eye disorder,
too, can be corrected by wearing prescription eyeglasses.
Presbyopia is another type of eye condition that can be corrected with prescription
eyeglasses. This disorder is where the eye's lens cannot focus. This usually happens to
everyone in his or her late forties. The symptoms for Presbyopia are that a person finds
himself or herself holding reading material farther away to enable reading. Also, eye fatigue
is a common symptom.
The importance of getting regular eye exams to check for these eye conditions can't be
overstated. Left untreated, all of these conditions will only worsen.
In a routine eye exam the optometrist will also do a glaucoma test. Glaucoma is the build
up of fluid on the eye that results in pressure on the retina. It is irreversible if left
untreated, and can cause total loss of sight. This is one eye disorder that cannot be treated
by wearing prescription eyeglasses. However, this condition rarely has symptoms, therefore
stressing the importance of routine eye exams.

Blepharitis

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Blepharitis:

Conjunctivitis: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergy, or inflammation-promoting agents can cause inflammation of the

Chalazion: A chalazion looks similar to a hordeolum. A chalazion is a raised nodule without the tenderness of a

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