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Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an eruption producing inflammation of eyelids and eyelashes. It is characterized by white flaky skin near the eyelashes. Blepharitis usually causes redness of the eyes and itching and irritation of the eyelids. more...

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There are two types. One, anterior blepharitis affects the front of the eyelids near the eyelashes. The causes are seborrheic dermatitis (similar to dandruff) and occasional infection by Staphylococcus bacteria. Two, posterior blepharitis affects the back of the eyelids, the part that makes contact with the eyes. This is caused by the oil glands present in this region

Staphylococcal blepharitis

Staphlycoccal blepharitis is a type of external eye inflammation. As with dandruff, it is usually asymptomatic until the disease progresses. As it progresses, the sufferer begins to notice a foreign body sensation, *mattering of the lashes, and burning. Usually, the primary care physician will prescribe topical antibiotics for staphylococcal blepharitis.

Seborrheic blepharitis

Seborrheic blepharitis, the inherited most common type of blepharitis, is usually one part of the spectrum of seborrheic dermatitis seborrhea which involves the scalp, lashes, eyebrows, nasolabial folds and ears. Treatment is best accomplished by a dermatologist.

Treatment and management

There is generally no cure for blepharitis, but it can be controlled by maintaining regular eyelid hygiene. Application of a damp warm cloth on the eyes helps unblock the Meibomian glands and this should be followed by firm massage of the eyelids with diluted baby shampoo, which acts as a mild cleaning agent. Antibiotic drops or ointments are prescribed in severe cases.

Dermatologists treat blepharitis similarly to seborrheic dermatitis by using safe topical anti-inflammatory medication like sulfacetamide or brief courses of a mild topical steroid.

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It's not blepharitis - Medical Mailbox - Letter to the Editor
From Saturday Evening Post, 3/1/03 by Cory SerVaas

Dear Dr. SerVaas:

I know this is a trite and trivial question, but I cannot be the only person who wants to know.

What is that little white matter you get in the corner of your eye? Does it have a name? Why do we get it?

Dr. Eugene Helveston, professor of ophthalmology at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, responds to your letter:

"The surface of the white part of the eye is covered by a tissue called conjunctiva. The back surface of the lids is also covered by conjunctiva. This tissue constantly produces tears that have oil content to keep the tears adherent to the front part of the eye, particularly the clear part or cornea, keeping it lubricated and comfortable. Other tears come from the lacrimal or tear gland. These tears are watery and often appear as a copious discharge for washing out the eye or with emotional response.

"The white matter you describe is a residue of protein material and other debris which accumulates because of evaporation of the lubricating tears produced by the conjunctiva. This white matter is a normal product and appears white only because it accumulates rather than washes away as it should. This white matter is not harmful and should not be alarming. It is probably a sign of dry eyes. It can be treated by using lubricating tears or appropriate eye wash. There are many appropriate and effective artificial tears available over the counter. This white matter is not a typical sign of blepharitis, which usually is associated with more redness and irritation and is a result of bacterial infection."

COPYRIGHT 2003 Saturday Evening Post Society
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group

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