Causes of Blepharitis
Updated June 09, 2015.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis is a chronic condition that affects both adults and children, and is often difficult to clear up. Excess oil is usually the cause of blepharitis.
Blepharitis often occurs in people with oily skin, as oil secretions can enter the eye and cause an imbalance in the tear film. When tear film is unbalanced, portions of the eye may dry more quickly than normal.
The dry spots that develop can irritate the cornea and cause sharp pain in the eye.
Many cases of blepharitis are the result of poor eyelid hygiene. Other common causes of blepharitis include the following:
If you have blepharitis, adopting a eyelid hygiene routine will help control your symptoms. Strive to keep your eyelids clean and crust-free. If your blepharitis symptoms are severe, your eye doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics or steroid eyedrops.
Source:
Lavine, Jay B., MD. "The Eye Care Source Book." Contemporary Books, 2001.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis is a chronic condition that affects both adults and children, and is often difficult to clear up. Excess oil is usually the cause of blepharitis.
Blepharitis often occurs in people with oily skin, as oil secretions can enter the eye and cause an imbalance in the tear film. When tear film is unbalanced, portions of the eye may dry more quickly than normal.
The dry spots that develop can irritate the cornea and cause sharp pain in the eye.
Many cases of blepharitis are the result of poor eyelid hygiene. Other common causes of blepharitis include the following:
- Excess oil secretions
- Rosacea
- Dust, smoke, or other allergens
- Bacteria, such as staphylococci
If you have blepharitis, adopting a eyelid hygiene routine will help control your symptoms. Strive to keep your eyelids clean and crust-free. If your blepharitis symptoms are severe, your eye doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics or steroid eyedrops.
Source:
Lavine, Jay B., MD. "The Eye Care Source Book." Contemporary Books, 2001.
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