Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition that typically affects the eyelids, but can secondarily involve the cornea and conjunctiva. Symptoms can include foreign body or burning sensation, excessive tearing, itching, sensitivity to light, red and swollen eyelids, blurred vision, discharge, flaky skin on the eyelids and dry eyes. Patients with blepharitis sometimes can have an underlying rosacea (or acne rosacea; a skin condition characterized with redness of the cheeks and telangiectasis of facial skin)
Diagnosis
A slit-lamp examination is adequate to diagnose blepharitis in the clinic.
Treatment
Blepharitis is usually a chronic problem that can often be managed with extra attention to eyelid care, but may require medication in some instances. Topical medications such as eyedrops or ointments or antibiotics by mouth can be used in the treatment of this condition.
