$Unique_ID{BRK00930}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{An Infection of the Eyelids Called "Blepharitis"}
$Subject{eyelids inflammation blepharitis treatment Sense senses eyes eye
crusts scales shallow ulcers Ulcerative blepharitis bacteria bacterium
bacterial infection infections staphylococcus nonulcerative swollen red bright
light tearing photophobia ulcer}
$Volume{A-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


An Infection of the Eyelids Called "Blepharitis"


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QUESTION:  Would you kindly discuss in your column an infection of the eyelids
called "blepharitis".  The treatment and cure, and also its prevention, would
be most welcome information.  Thank you most sincerely.

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ANSWER:  As you indicated, blepharitis (from the Greek "blepharon" meaning
"eyelid") is an inflammation of the eyelid margins that provokes redness and
thickening, as well as the formation of crusts and scales or shallow ulcers.
There are two types.  Ulcerative blepharitis is the more serious of the two,
is caused by a bacterial infection, usually a staphylococcus, and can result
in the loss of eyelashes and scarring, as well as occasional infections of the
cornea.  The other type, nonulcerative blepharitis, has a less evident cause,
although it may be of an allergic origin or associated with a skin condition
such as seborrhea of the face and scalp.  You know when you have it as it
produces an itchy "foreign body in the eye" sensation.  The eyelids become
swollen and red, and bright light may cause pain and tearing (photophobia).
During the night, crusts form that glue the eyelids together.  When the crusts
and scales in the ulcerative type are washed away, they leave a bleeding
surface to contend with.  Both types of blepharitis are difficult to treat and
will recur frequently after they have been well treated and apparently cured.
Warm compresses may be needed to wash away the secretions before applying
local antibiotics crams and drops.  Erythromycin or bacitracin are usually
effective in treating the infection, and should be used three times a day,
regularly and until the symptoms improve.  When severe irritation occurs,
cortisone-like medications may be used in addition to antibiotics for short
periods of time.  If seborrhea is one of the possible causes, it too must be
treated.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.