I’ve developed an eye condition known as blepharitis. I also suffer from seborrheic dermatitis. Are the two conditions related?
Blepharitis is inflammation of the edges of the eyelids. There may be thickening scales, crusts, shallow ulcers, redness and swelling along the edges of the eyelids. The eyelids usually become irritated, red and swollen.
Disorders that may cause it include staphylococcal infection of the eyelids or the ducts of the deeper glands that open at the edges of the eyelids. Some viral infections and allergic reactions may trigger it too.
Skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea of the face can lead to eyelid inflammation and blepharitis. In some cases, no cause can be identified. The condition commonly accompanies dry eye syndrome.
I’ve noticed that some of my eyelashes are beginning to fall out.
Symptoms of blepharitis may include a sensation that something is in the eye. Itching and burning sensations in the eyes and eyelids are also common complaints.
Typically, the edges of the eyelids may become red and the eyes may become watery and sensitive to bright light.
The eyelid may swell and some of the eyelashes fall out.
Small abscesses containing pus can develop in the sacs at the base of the eyelashes.
These may over time form shallow ulcers (ulcerative blepharitis). During sleep normal eye secretions can dry up, resulting in the eyelids sticking together.
A crust may form on the edges of the eyelid, which when removed may cause the surface to bleed.
Can it be treated?
Once an underlying cause for blepharitis is found, it should be treatable. Warm compresses placed over the closed eyelid may relieve symptoms and speed resolution. Artificial tears and eye lubricant ointments may help relieve dry eyes.
For blepharitis caused by seborrheic dermatitis, treatment would include keeping the eyelids clean by gently scrubbing the edges of the eyelids each day with a wash cloth or cotton swab dipped in a very diluted solution of baby shampoo.
For inflamed oil glands at the edge of the eyelids, warm compresses may relieve inflammation, easing the itching and burning.
In some cases an antibiotic ointment may be prescribed.
While blepharitis has a tendency to recur, it does not cause damage to the cornea or result in loss of vision.
Very occasionally, ulcerative blepharitis can result in the loss of the eyelashes, scarring of the eyelid margins and, rarely, inflammation affecting the cornea.
