Menu

Register

Login

EN

Couldn't find what you looking for?

TRY OUR SEARCH!
Remove Ads

Home

Articles

Body & Health Conditions

Eye Disorders and Diseases

Staphylococcal Blepharitis
Treatment
16COMMENTS
by Harold Gladwell, MD 2007-05-31 in Eye Disorders and Diseases
Blepharitis refers to a chronic inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis
is one of the most common disorders of the eye and is often the
underlying reason for eye discomfort, redness and tearing.
Other eye symptoms of blepharitis include: burning, itching, light sensitivity, and an irritating,
sandy, gritty sensation that is worse upon awakening.

There are 4 forms of blepharitis:

Staphylococcal - due to infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

Seborrheic - associated with seborrheic dermatitis
MGD (Meibomian gland dysfunction) blepharitis caused by malfunctioning oil glands in
your eyelid
Rosacea blepharitis - a skin condition characterized by facial redness

All three forms of blepharitis are chronic in nature. Several studies have shown that patients with
staphylococcal blepharitis are relatively young with a short history of ocular symptoms, while
patients with seborrheic blepharitis and MGD blepharitis are generally older and have a longer
history of ocular symptoms.

There are also several other possible causes such as:

Herpes simplex dermatitis,

Varicella-zoster dermatitis,
Molluscum Contagiosum and
Allergic or contact dermatitis

Pathophysiology of the condition

The pathophysiology of blepharitis is well understood. It involves simple bacterial colonization of
the eyelids. Bacteria that is most commonly found in the culture is Staphylococcus aureus. This
results in direct microbial invasion of tissues, immune systemmediated damage, or damage
caused by the production of bacterial toxins, waste products, and enzymes. It is also important to
know that colonization of the lid margin is increased in the presence of Seborrheic dermatitis or
Meibomian gland dysfunction.
Signs and symptoms
Generally, there is a persistent and unsightly redness and scaliness of the skin on and around
the eyelid margins.

Other problems may include:

Persistent soreness of the eyelids or eyes.

Greasy appearance of the eyelid margins.
Flakes of skin like dandruff.
Eyelashes that fall out.
Small ulcers on the eyelid.
Crusting and bleeding (if severe).
Irritation of the eye (from flakes).
Sensation of something in the eye.
Grittiness, burning, itching and dryness.
Discharge from the lids, causing lashes to glue together during sleep.
Sensitivity to light.
Swelling of the eyelids and conjunctiva.
The eyelids may appear greasy and crusted with scales that cling to the lashes. This debris can
cause the eyelids to stick together at night. Patient shouldnt be concerned if he has to pry his
eyes open in the morning because of these sticky secretions. Sometimes the patients may notice
only the presence of dried tear secretions in the morning that feel like small grains of sand.

Diagnosis of blepharitis
Patients history
Doctor is usually able to diagnose blepharitis after carefully examining patients eyes and eyelids.
Sometimes he or she may use a special magnifying instrument during the examination.

Sample culture
In cases when he or she suspects in bacterial etiology, sample of the skin deposits may be
collected to see if any bacteria are present. Bacterial culture will confirm the diagnosis if
staphylococcal blepharitis.

Slit lamp examination

This test proved to be very good and effective because it usually shows additional features,
including loss of lashes , whitening of the lashes, scarring and misdirection of lashes, crusting,
margin ulcers, telangiectasias, and several other irregularities.

Histological picture of blepharitis

Seborrheic dermatitis has characteristic histological structure characterized by spongiosis, mild
perivascular lymphohistiocytic mononuclear infiltrates in the superficial dermis. It is important to
point out that the Staphylococcal blepharitis is a chronic non-granulomatous inflammation,
usually with neutrophils.

Complications if left untreated

The most common complications of blepharitis are:
loss of eyelashes,
abnormal eyelash growth or
scarring of the eyelids
Other possible complications associated with blepharitis include:

Sty - bacterial infection that develops near the basic root of an eyelash. It is often accompanied
with a painful lump on the edge or inside of the eyelid.
Chalazion condition which occurs when there's some kind of blockage in some of the small oil
glands on the eyelid margin
Excess tearing or dry eyes it is proven that oily secretions can accumulate in tear film. This
can interfere with the healthy lubrication of eyelids.
Chronic pink eye - several studies have proven that blepharitis can lead to recurrent bouts of
pink eye also called conjunctivitis.
Injury to the cornea - constant irritation may even cause small ulcers which develop on cornea.

Treatment of blepharitis
Unfortunately, blepharitis is a chronic disease for which there is no cure, and what is most
important it requires a long-term treatment to keep it under control.

Treatment consists of 2 phases:

Acute phase which involves intensive therapy to rapidly bring the disease under control.
Maintenance phase - whose goal is to indefinitely continue the minimum amount of therapy
that is necessary to keep the disease quiet
Blepharitis rarely disappears completely. Even with the successful treatment, relapses are
common. While over-the-counter treatments for blepharitis are available, it is advisable to seek
professional help the first time you experience the condition.

Warm Compresses
Warm compresses have shown very good and effective in treatment of all kinds of blepharitis
and eye infections as well. How do they work? These compresses heat the debris and crust on
the lid margin to the melting point of their individual components so that they are easily removed
with the lid scrubs. Warm compresses may be combined with eyelid massage. This is especially
important in patients who have Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Massaging the eyelid while
the compress is on may be very useful.

Lid Scrubs
Lid scrubbing is a very effective treatment method and there are several ways of performing it.
There is only one rule - the scrubbing should only be directed at the base of the eyelashes on the
eyelid margin. Soaps used in the process should not have excessive perfume or lotion content.
They should be applied with fingertips on the eyelid margin and eyelash bases for up to 1
minute. This is followed by a facial rinse. The soap solution can alternatively be diluted in a
container and scrubbing performed using a washcloth wrapped around a finger.

Antibiotic treatment
The use of an ointment on the eyelid margin immediately after lid scrubbing may help to increase
patients comfort. Two antibiotics are being used: Erythromycin eye ointment or Tobradex
(steroid) eye ointment. These antibiotics also help to further reduce the bacterial load on the
eyelids. Oral tetracyclines can be used in recalcitrant Meibomian Gland Dysfunction cases for
about 3 months. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed in the presence of a lid abscess or
associated rosacea.

Anti-Inflammatory treatment
Castor oil has been used traditionally for many years as an anti-inflammatory remedy for
treatment of blepharitis. Why is this oil so effective? The main ingredient in it is ricinoleic acid.
Patients must know that the eyelid inflammation may increase initially after starting this treatment
but with repeated use over the week, the blepharitis inflammation will be reduced.

Antioxidant treatment
What types of food are rich in antioxidants? The answer is fruits, especially grapes! Eating more
grapes may help blepharitis patients. The formation of oxidants like nitric oxide in the involved
eyelid margin have been speculated to play a role in blepharitis. A substance known as
resveratrol is an anti-oxidant that is very effective against these nitrite types of oxidants. Grapes
are particularly good sources of resveratrol. Resveratrol is found in the skin (not flesh) of
grapes. Oral N-acetylcysteine treatment for blepharitis needs further evaluation. N-
acetylcysteine is a supplement and therefore is available over the counter or in health food stores
without prescription.

Surgical Care
Surgical care for blepharitis is needed only for complications such as:

chalazion formation,
trichiasis,
ectropion,
entropion, or
corneal disease
READStaph Infection and Pregnancy
Self-care
It is recommended that patient should deliberately clean eyelid at the base of the eyelashes. To
best accomplish this, he or she should gently pull the eyelid away from the eye to avoid
accidental injury to the cornea from the washcloth. The treatment should be continued until signs
and symptoms disappear. Although you may be able to decrease the frequency of eyelid soaking
and washing, every patient should maintain an eyelid care routine to keep the condition under
control.

Prognosis
Overall, the prognosis for patients with blepharitis is good to excellent. For most, it remains more
of a symptomatic affliction than a true threat to their health and function. It is true that patients
experience a considerable amount of discomfort and misery that can greatly reduce their well-
being and ability to carry out the daily activities, but recognition of the disease symptoms and
appropriate management should help them approach the disease in a successful manner.
Sources & Links

by Taboola
Sponsored Links

.
End Your Nightly Snoring Nightmare With This Simple SolutionMy Snoring Solution

13 Gorgeous Wives & Girlfriends Of The World's Richest MenHooch

Amazing Last Minute Deals on Flights!Save70

Now You Can Track Your Car Using Your SmartphoneTRACKR BRAVO

.
Blocked arteries in legs | Cardiovascular Disorders and Diseases articles |
Body & Health Conditions centerBlocked arteries in legs can lead you to suffer from
cramps and pain in your hips, calves or legs while you are walking, running or sitting. This
condition is usually affected by coronary artery disease and its medical term is peripheral arterial
disease

.
Normal Menstruation: How Long Should Your Period Last? | Women's Health
articles | Family Health centerAre your periods so heavy and long that they make your
daily life hell, and you're wondering whether your blood loss is so heavy that it explains your
anemia symptoms? Or have you recently started menstruating, and you would simply like to
know how long p

by Taboola

Sponsored Links

Trending on The Web

Baby Girl Vanishes From Crib: But 20 Years Later, This Happened...LifeDaily.com

This product going is wild on the internet. The effect? GeniusECOCUT pro

.
HIV symptoms in men after 6 months | General centerGeneral about HIVThis article
will inform us about the possible HIV symptoms that occur in men who have been infected more
than 6 months. According to the gathered data by the World Health Organization, 2.7 million of
people get infected by this virus and

.
9 Warning Heart Symptoms You Should Never Ignore | Cardiovascular
Disorders and Diseases slideshows | Body & Health Conditions centerChest
pain should not be ignored. It may herald a heart attack, a clot in lung vessels, damage to major
blood vessels or gastritis, reflux disease and muscle sprains.

by Taboola

Sponsored Links

Trending on The Web

Here Are The Top 20 Countries With The Lowest Interest Rate For Loans &
MortgagesWomensArticle.com

Missing Father Found After 23 Years Leaves Cops SpeechlessLifeDaily.com

.
Chronic liver failure | Urinary Tract Issues articles | Body & Health Conditions
centerThere are a lot of people all over the world who suffer from liver failure. A person is
diagnosed with liver failure when a large part of his or her liver becomes damaged so bad that it
cannot regenerate. When that happens, the liver cannot function prope

.
What Are Shingles And Are You At Risk? | Lymphatic & Endocrine system
articles | Body & Health Conditions centerA virus that can remain in your body long
after symptoms of the illness have resolved may sound frightening. But the shingles virus does
just that. The Virus That Remains Inside Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella
zoster virus, which al

by Taboola

Sponsored Links

Trending on The Web

Cop Finds Baby In Dumpster: But 25 Years Later, This Happened...LifeDaily.com

Missing Teens Unsolved For 15 Years, Until Police Uncover Truth...LifeDaily.com

Editor's Picks

What Causes Swollen Eyelids?

Swollen eyelids are often the result of fluid accumulation in the thin layers of tissues surrounding
your eyes. This type of edema, which causes puffy eyelids, can affect one or both eyes,
depending on the cause. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, tearing,
pain, tenderness

What Is A Chalazion?

Possible causes of eyelid swelling

Bumps And Lumps On The Eyelids

Internal and External Hordeolum (Stye): Symptoms,

Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Bullous Impetigo: Skin Disease in Children

Resveratrol Health Benefits: an Anti-aging

Stimulant with Heart Benefits
Remove Ads
Register on our site
Find health and lifestyle advices & Get answers!
Share real-life experiences with more than 250,000 community members!
 Email address

Submit
Log in if you're already registered or take a look at the unread posts.

Related Topics
meibomian gland dysfunction
over a year ago
Comments and reviews on article "Staphylococcal Blepharitis Treatment"
over a year ago
blepharitis problem
over a year ago
best treatment..blepharitis
over a year ago
Blepharitis - Is it chronic or curable?
over a year ago
What to do with seborrheic dermatitis on eyes?
over a year ago
How to get ride of a Chalazion
over a year ago
swollen upper eyelids for months-no itching-related to Lunes
over a year ago
chalazion cyst
over a year ago
Question about Chalazion
over a year ago

Popular Articles
Consequences Of Over-masturbation
Pimple-like Bumps on Penis and Testicles
Implantation bleeding or period?
Marijuana: Pros And Cons
What does high white blood cells count indicate?

Infocenter Articles
Blepharitis treatment
What are blepharitis symptoms
How to treat a meibomian cyst
Bacterial eye infections
Alternative medicines, symptoms and treatment for stye

Remove Ads