Eyelid edge inflammation

Eyelid edge inflammation: blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction

What is Blepharitis? Blepharitis is an inflammation and often infection of the eyelid margin, where sebaceous glands (Meibom glands) and hair follicles containing eyelash hairs are located. It affects people of all ages, including both young children and the elderly, and is often accompanied by itching, irritation, a red eye, and flaking of the eyelash hairs, especially in the morning.

What is Meibom gland dysfunction? Meibomian gland dysfunction is often related to blepharitis and occurs when the Meibomian glands become clogged or release too much sebum. This can be the main cause of symptoms of dry eyes, where the tear film does not function properly.

Causes of Blepharitis:

  • Too much sebum production by Meibom glands, which sticks to eye hairs and causes irritated eyelid edges.
  • Skin bacteria, normally harmless, can cause infection when irritated.
  • May co-occur with skin conditions such as eczema seborrhoicum or Acne Rosacea.

Causes of Meibomian gland dysfunction:

  • Medication and contact lens use.
  • Allergy, hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause), diabetes, thyroid disorders.

Symptoms:

  • Stinging, burning sensation and painful, red eyelids.
  • Itching and watery eyes.
  • Complications can occur, such as eye infections and corneal ulceration.

Treatment:

  1. Warm up: Use warm compresses, poultices, warm tea bags, or special warming glasses to warm up the eye hairs and Meibom glands.
  2. Massage: Massage the eyelid edges to bring out sebum.
  3. Brushing: Brush eyelashes and eyelid edges with a wet cotton ball/tip or special eyelid cleaning wipes/gel.
  4. Antibiotics: In case of infection/inflammation, antibiotic ointment can be applied.
  5. Artificial tears: Artificial tears may be prescribed for dry eye complaints.
  6. Nutrition: Dietary modifications, such as Omega 3 fatty acid supplements, may help.
  7. Medication: Sometimes antibiotic drops/ointments are needed, or even antibiotic tablets in long-term situations such as Rosacea.

Opinion:

  • The step plan is recommended to be applied 2 times a day for many symptoms, later possibly reducing to once a day or several times a week.
  • Stopping treatment may cause symptoms to return quickly and/or violently.