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2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14
Eye blepharitis is a chronic disease in which the edges of the eyelids are mainly affected. The appearance of this disease is considered a sign of a weakening of the whole organism, a decrease in immunity. The disease can also affect children, but the maximum peak occurs between the ages of forty and seventy years.
The main symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of this type of chronic inflammation are the appearance of a burning sensation in the eyelids, itching, painful sensations, as well as the feeling of a foreign object in the eye.
In addition, blurred, fuzzy vision, increased sensitivity to light, swelling and redness, increased dryness in the eyes, and crusts or secretions accumulated in the corners of the eyes may also appear as symptoms.
Such manifestations may not always be permanent; at times, deterioration or improvement of the patient's condition occurs. These symptoms can sometimes be confused with inflammation such as dry eye syndrome.
This pathology is characterized by insufficient formation of the lacrimal substance in the glands.
If the inflammation is associated with skin irritation caused by different types of fungi, the patient's symptoms may be similar.
Blepharitis of the eyes is posterior or anterior. In the second case, inflammation appears, as a rule, in the area of eyelash growth, and in the first case, the excretory ducts of the meibomian glands are affected. The posterior form of blepharitis, in turn, can be seborrheic or staphylococcal. The disease can be acute or chronic.
Acute blepharitis has symptoms similar to the chronic variant:
- Itching;
- Increased swelling of the eyelids;
- Loss of eyelashes, incorrect growth, fragility;
- Constant discharge of mucus from the eyes;
- The presence of scales;
- The eyes get tired quickly and often and are constantly watering.
The causes of inflammation
The anterior variant of the disease is usually triggered by staphylococcus bacteria or the presence of dandruff on the eyebrows or head. The combination of these factors can also cause the onset and progression of blepharitis. In rare cases, allergies or the appearance of various harmful organisms in the eyelash area can cause an ailment.
The posterior form of inflammation is a consequence of disturbances in the functioning of the lacrimal glands of the eyelids, in these conditions bacteria multiply rapidly. In some cases, various skin inflammations can become the reasons.
Quite often, blepharitis can be observed with improper eyelash growth, keratitis or conjunctivitis.
Chronic blepharitis can occur due to prolonged eye exposure to cigarette smoke, chemicals, smog, etc.
If you suspect the presence of this disease, it is necessary to carry out the usual ophthalmic procedures and research methods. It is imperative to do biomicroscopy and visometry. In difficult cases, analyzes of the substance separated by the eyelids and the secretions of their glands, carried out in a specialized laboratory, may be required.
In case of symptoms of dry eye or disturbances in the patency of the lacrimal canals, it is also necessary to undergo additional tests for blepharitis. Basically, in cases of these irritations, it is he who is a concomitant side effect.
A chronic ailment of both eyelids is inflammation of the eyes and eyelids, which lasts for a long time and is accompanied by frequent relapses. This form of the inflammatory process can, in individual cases, provoke a decrease in visual acuity.
Treatment options and courses
The process of treating chronic blepharitis is quite complicated and time-consuming. Even after all visible inflammation in the eyes has disappeared, it is necessary to continue treatment for one month. To get rid of this disease, there are many specialized drugs.
However, the most important point is the treatment and complete elimination of the causes that led to the appearance of blepharitis. Since if these causes are not eliminated, the disease in a chronic form can periodically recur, and in a more complex version. Along with intensive and long-term treatment, it is necessary to undergo a local course and eliminate the causes from the inside.
It should be borne in mind that in no case can you treat yourself on your own. The occurrence of blepharitis in each case is always individual, respectively, and the treatment program for each patient is different. Treatments and procedures should only be prescribed by a qualified professional. The doctor may prescribe drops, ointments, including tetracycline, furacilin or dibiomycin, certain antibiotics, a vitamin complex, in some cases, a vision correction program, diet, as well as getting rid of infections may be necessary.
You can also make herbal compresses as recommended by your doctor. In addition, patients have to improve their living conditions in the workplace and at home, eliminating all possible sources of allergies and completely changing their usual lifestyle.
Since this inflammatory ailment is long and difficult, many patients resort to traditional methods of healing. Blepharitis can be treated with washes using calendula or chamomile decoctions, as well as tar soap. Lotions from rosehip, tansy, thyme or marshmallow root are great help.
If a tick has become the cause of inflammation on the eyelids, you can apply soap foam to the affected areas, while using laundry soap is better. After the procedure, the eyes should be thoroughly rinsed and lubricated with petroleum jelly. The ulcerative form of the disease can be cured with infusion of celandine or rose oil.
The allergic form can be treated with drops of freshly squeezed aloe or meadow clover juice.
The use of drops, ointments and constant eye care will prevent complications that are possible with a prolonged course of the disease. In the chronic form, you must always have on hand an artificial tear, fish oil, ethereal alcohol, brilliant green, tetracycline, etc.
At his discretion, the doctor on an individual basis can prescribe ointments, diet, drops, antibiotics or vitamins to the patient in case of acute inflammation, as well as during the lull of the disease. For an easier course of a chronic attack, you can take immunity-enhancing drugs, change your professional activity or change your usual living conditions.
In some cases, when treating blepharitis, it is necessary to consult with narrow specialists, including a dermatologist, ENT, allergist.
It is often necessary to eliminate chronic infections, revise the patient's diet, conditions at home and at work, and also direct all efforts to strengthen the immune system.
Basic preventive measures
Blepharitis with timely and correct treatment is characterized by a favorable prognosis in terms of maintaining visual acuity. As a prophylaxis of the disease, it is necessary to identify all chronic diseases and infections, to undergo a full course of treatment. In addition, it is worth excluding any contact with possible allergens and taking timely measures in case of violations of the sebaceous glands. Special attention should be paid to hygiene and improving living and working conditions.
It should be noted that the best treatment for blepharitis is a simultaneous combination of systemic therapeutic measures, local medicinal effects and physiotherapy.