What Could My Eye Inflammation Be?

What Could My Eye
Inflammation Be?

Blepharitis is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids. Symptoms include burning, dryness, itching, crusting, foreign body sensation and redness of the eyes. 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.

Blepharitis occurs in two forms anterior and posterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis affects the front of the eyelid where the eyelashes meet the eyelid margin and is typically caused by scalp dandruff and bacteria. Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid and is caused by problems with the oil glands in the eyelid caused by acne rosacea and scalp dandruff.

Ocular rosacea is a manifestation of acne rosacea that affects the eyes and eyelids. Symptoms generally consist of redness, irritation or burning of the eyes. Patients may also feel that there is something, such as an eyelash, in the eye.

Commonly patients also show redness of the nose and cheeks. Patients who suffer from ocular rosacea or blepharitis may be treated with warm compresses, artificial tears, dietary supplements such as fish oil, and washing the area around the eye with warm water, including the eyelids, to help alleviate symptoms.

Additionally, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed. Some patients feel that dietary restrictions of caffeine, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages may reduce or eliminate symptoms in ocular rosacea.

It is important to see your eye doctor for treatment because if left untreated it can cause eyelash loss or aberrant eyelashes, ectropion, thickened lid margins, and entropion.

The lower third of the cornea may exhibit significant erosions and lead to permanent scarring or symptoms of dry eye.