BLEPHARITIS

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the margins of the eyelids.

It is a common condition and is usually present in both eyes. It can occur in children and adults of any age. The condition appears in two forms – anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis.

Signs and symptoms

The main signs and symptoms of blepharitis include:

• a feeling of “something in the eye”
• excessive or frothy tears
• itchiness
• excessive blinking
• photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• crusty or sticky eyelashes, particularly in the morning
• sore or painful eyelids
  redness and thickening of the eyelids
• ulceration
• loss of eyelashes

Diagnosis

Your ophthalmologist will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, and carefully examine your eyes. The examina-tion may include a vision test and an assessment with a slit-lamp (a microscope with a light attached). Usually, this is enough to diagnose blepharitis and plan your treatment.

Some images and information provided courtesy of RANZCO and Mi-tec Medical Publishing. The complete RANZCO patient education pamphlet is available from your ophthalmologist.