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Blepharitis is a condition in which the eyelids are inflamed and become scaly and flaky. Blepharitis can be worsened by a bacterial infection and can occasionally result in serious complications of the eye, such as corneal ulcers. To learn more about other important symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of blepharitis.
Blepharitis occurs most often in people who have certain conditions and can be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, eyelash mites, or allergies to eye medication or eye make-up.
Diagnosing blepharitis begins with taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination that includes an eye and eyelid examination.
Even if blepharitis does not appear to affect the eye itself, an eye examination will include testing pupil response to light, visual acuity or sharpness of vision, checking the sharpness of peripheral vision, and testing the pressure inside the eye. The outer eye is examined using an instrument called a slit lamp, and the inner eye is examined using an instrument call an ophthalmoscope. Another test involves temporarily staining the eye with a special eye drop that makes a corneal ulcer, a possible complications of blepharitis, visible to the clinician.
If there are symptoms of complications, such as conjunctivitis or bacterial infection of the eyelid, a culture and sensitivity test may be performed on discharge from the affected eye or eyelid. This involves taking a sample of the discharge, growing it in a laboratory, and examining it to determine the type of microorganism that is causing the eyelid infection or conjunctivitis.
A diagnosis of blepharitis may be missed or delayed because symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other diseases or conditions, such as chalazion and sty. To learn more about diseases and conditions that can mimic blepharitis, refer to misdiagnosis of blepharitis.
Treatment for most cases of blepharitis includes good eyelid hygiene to prevent a secondary infection. Treatment also includes diagnosing and treating any underlying diseases or conditions. In more serious cases, topical medication for the eyelids and eye drops are prescribed. Even after successful treatment, blepharitis often returns. For more details on treatment plans, refer to treatment of blepharitis. ...more »
Blepharitis: Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. The condition can be difficult to manage because it ... more about Blepharitis.
Blepharitis: A common eyelid inflammation. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Blepharitis is available below.
Symptoms of blepharitis include reddened appearance of the both the upper and lower eyelids, most pronounced at the edges of the eyelids. There is generally a discharge and crusting of mucus around the eyes. The eyelids are also itchy and swollen and the skin on them is scaly and flaky. The flakes from the skin on the eyelids often gets into the eyes and can cause conjunctivitis ...more symptoms »
There is no cure for blepharitis, which can become a chronic condition. However, with a good, consistent treatment plan, the symptoms blepharitis can be controlled and the risk of developing complications can be minimized.
Treatment of blepharitis begins with diagnosing and treating any underlying conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, eyelash ...more treatments »
A diagnosis of blepharitis may be delayed or missed because symptoms of blepharitis can be similar to symptoms of other diseases and conditions. These include sty, chalazion, xanthelasma, dry eye, and papilloma. ...more misdiagnosis »
See full list of 21 symptoms of Blepharitis
See full list of 7 treatments for Blepharitis
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See full list of 7 causes of Blepharitis
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The US based website ClinicalTrials.gov lists information on both federally and privately supported clinical trials using human volunteers.
Some of the clinical trials listed on ClinicalTrials.gov for Blepharitis include:
Read more about Clinical Trials for Blepharitis
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Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. The condition can be difficult to manage because it tends to recur. (Source: excerpt from Blepharitis Resource Guide: NEI)
Inflammation of the eyelids. - (Source - Diseases Database)
Inflammation of the eyelids characterized by redness and swelling and dried crusts - (Source - WordNet 2.1)
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