From the Guidelines
Blepharitis is the name of an eyelash infection that is not a stye. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins where the eyelashes grow, characterized by redness, itching, burning, and crusty debris around the lashes. Unlike a stye (hordeolum) which is a localized infection of an oil gland, blepharitis typically affects the entire eyelid margin.
Key Characteristics of Blepharitis
- Inflammation of the eyelid margins
- Redness, itching, burning, and crusty debris around the lashes
- Affects the entire eyelid margin, not just a localized area
- Can be chronic and related to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, bacterial overgrowth, or dysfunction of the meibomian glands
Treatment Options
- Warm compresses applied to closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes twice daily
- Gentle cleansing of the eyelid margins using diluted baby shampoo or commercial eyelid cleansers
- Antibiotic ointments like erythromycin or bacitracin for more severe cases
- Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline 100mg daily for persistent cases, as supported by studies such as 1
Importance of Regular Eyelid Hygiene
Regular eyelid hygiene is crucial for managing blepharitis long-term, as the condition tends to recur if maintenance cleaning is discontinued, as noted in 1 and 1. This is because blepharitis is often chronic and related to underlying conditions that require ongoing management. By prioritizing regular eyelid hygiene and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can effectively manage their blepharitis and reduce the risk of complications. It is essential to follow the treatment plan recommended by a healthcare professional, which may include a combination of warm compresses, eyelid cleansing, and medication, as outlined in 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: The ointment should be applied directly into the conjunctival sac 1 to 3 times daily. In blepharitis all scales and crusts should be carefully removed and the ointment then spread uniformly over the lid margins. The name of the eye lash infection that is not sty is blepharitis 2.
- Blepharitis is an infection of the eyelids.
- It is not the same as a sty, which is an infection of an oil gland in the eyelid.
From the Research
Eye Lash Infection
- The infection of the eye lashes is known as blepharitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margin 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Blepharitis can be caused by various factors, including infection, inflammation, and abnormalities of the tear film 3, 4.
- There are different types of blepharitis, including anterior blepharitis associated with disorders of eyelashes, and posterior blepharitis with meibomian gland dysfunction and keratoconjunctivitis 7.
- Demodex mites can also cause blepharitis, particularly Demodex folliculorum which can cause anterior blepharitis associated with disorders of eyelashes 7.
Symptoms and Treatment
- Symptoms of blepharitis include burning sensation, irritation, tearing, photophobia, blurred vision, and red eyes 6.
- Clinical examination reveals the presence of scurf, telangiectatic vascular changes of the eyelid margin, inspissated meibomian glands, conjuntival hyperemia, punctuate keratopathy, cornea vascularization, and ulceration 6.
- Treatment of blepharitis includes long-term commitment to eyelid hygiene, topical antibiotics, and topical corticosteroid preparations 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Tea tree oil treatments have also been shown to be effective in eradicating Demodex mites and reducing ocular surface inflammation 7.