Blepharitis: Types, Causes, and How the Forms Differ

In a doctor's report or in descriptions online, you may come across several names for blepharitis at once. These are the names of different types and forms of one group of diseases — chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins that is difficult to treat. Understanding the names is useful so you know exactly what the doctor is referring to.

What blepharitis is and what happens to the eyelid margin

Blepharitis is a large group of eye diseases in which the eyelid margins become inflamed. Sebaceous and meibomian glands are located along the lash margin, and it is their function that is disrupted. The inflammation is persistent and prone to recurrence. The disease, as a rule, occurs with persistently reduced immunity. You cannot catch blepharitis from another person.

Types of blepharitis by cause: demodicetic, fungal, allergic, staphylococcal

The causes of blepharitis are varied. Staphylococcus aureus — a bacterium that lives on the skin — is considered the main causative agent; in children, another species of staphylococcus may also be the causative agent. Demodicosis — a chronic infectious disease — is cited among the causes. The name "fungal blepharitis" is also encountered, but there is no separate description of its causes here. Allergic blepharitis is associated with allergic diseases. Chronic infections, viral infection, vitamin deficiency, anemia, diseases of the digestive tract, teeth, and nasopharynx, uncorrected visual pathology, dry keratoconjunctivitis, as well as constant irritation of the eyes by wind, dust, smoke, and soap contribute to the disease.

Forms of blepharitis: simple, squamous, angular, meibomian, and seborrheic

Several forms are distinguished by their signs and conditions of occurrence. Simple, or squamous, blepharitis manifests as redness and thickening of the eyelid margin with the formation of scales of desquamated epithelium tightly attached at the base of the lashes. Ulcerative blepharitis is a purulent inflammation of the hair follicles of the lashes with the formation of ulcers along the eyelid margin. Meibomian blepharitis is associated with impaired function of the meibomian glands when the secretion is insufficiently drained. Angular, or angular blepharitis, is a form with predominant inflammation in the area of the eye corners. Seborrheic blepharitis is associated with seborrheic dermatitis — a skin condition.

How different types of blepharitis manifest

Symptoms of blepharitis often appear and disappear. They include tenderness of the eyelids, itching of the eyes, a gritty sensation in the eyes, scales or crusts at the roots of the lashes, and eyelids sticking together in the morning. In different forms, the emphasis shifts:

• in squamous blepharitis, scales are noticeable at the base of the lashes;
• in ulcerative blepharitis, ulcers form along the eyelid margin;
• in meibomian blepharitis, the glands within the thickness of the eyelid are affected;
• in angular blepharitis, inflammation is concentrated in the corners of the eyes;
• in seborrheic blepharitis, seborrheic dermatitis is considered the cause.

How blepharitis is diagnosed

The doctor examines the eyelids during an eye examination and asks about medical history and family history to find the cause. If blepharitis is severe or there are other eye symptoms, a consultation with an ophthalmologist — a specialist in eye diseases — is needed.

Complications and when to see a doctor

Among the problems that arise is a cyst — a fluid-filled cavity under the skin. In posterior marginal blepharitis, inflammation of the meibomian glands can gradually involve the conjunctiva and cornea. You should see a doctor if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

Blepharitis by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if eye pain appears, vision changes — disappears or becomes blurred — or the eyes become very red: this may be a sign of a more serious problem.

The names of blepharitis describe its cause and form, but the essence is the same — inflammation of the eyelid margin. This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer