Andrew A. Dahl, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Dahl's educational background includes a BA with Honors and Distinction from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, and an MD from Cornell University, where he was selected for Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. He had an internal medical internship at the New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Blepharitis is the medical term for inflammation of the eyelids. The word
"blepharitis" is derived from the Greek word blepharos, which means "eyelid," and
the Greek suffix itis, which is typically used to denote an inflammation in
English. Inflammation is a general term used to describe the process by which
white blood cells and chemicals produced in the body protect us from foreign
substances, injury, or infection. The normal body response of inflammation
involves varying degrees of swelling, redness, pain, warmth, and change in
function. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, causing red, irritated,
itchy eyelids, and the formation of dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes. It is
a very common eye disorder with a wide variety of causes. It affects people of
all ages. Although it may be uncomfortable, annoying, or unattractive, blepharitis is not contagious and generally does not cause any permanent damage
to eyesight. The condition can be difficult to manage because it tends to recur.
Another term for blepharitis is granulated eyelids. Angular blepharitis is a
term used to describe blepharitis which primarily affects the outer corners of
the eyelids.
What causes blepharitis?
Blepharitis involves the eyelid margins, where the eyelashes grow and the
openings of the tiny oil glands near the base of the lashes are located. There
may be involvement of the outer edges of the eyelid margins adjacent to the skin
or/and the inner edge of the eyelid that comes into contact with the eyeball.
Changes in the skin of the eyelids or the surface of the eye itself are usually
secondary to the underlying disorder of the lid margins.
The cause of most cases of blepharitis is a malfunction of the oil glands of
the lids. There are about 40 of these glands in each of the upper and lower
lids. When these oil glands produce too much, too little, or the wrong types of
oils, the eyelid margins can become inflamed, irritated, and itchy. Acne rosacea,
a generalized illness of oil glands, is sometimes the underlying cause of this
process.
There are some types of blepharitis that are due to disorders of the lid
margin around the lashes. These include seborrheic blepharitis, which is similar
to dandruff of the scalp, and infection of the lash base by Staphylococcal
bacteria.
Allergies can also cause blepharitis. These include sensitivities to
substances coming into direct contact with the lid margins, including mascara
and contact lens solutions. Various sprays, exposure to animals, environmental
chemicals, or airborne allergens can also cause blepharitis.
Less commonly, inflammation of the lids can be caused by a primary infection
of the eyelids by bacteria or infestation of the lashes by tiny mites or head
lice.
Blepharitis may also be caused by systemic (affecting areas throughout the
body) medical conditions or skin cancers of various types.
Staphylococcus or Staph is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases. Staph infections can cause illness directly by infection or indirectly by the toxins they produce. Symptoms and signs of a Staph infection include redness, swelling, pain, and drainage of pus. Minor skin infections are treated with an antibiotic ointment, while more serious infections are treated with intravenous antibiotics.
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.
A sty (sometimes spelled stye) is a tender, painful red bump located at the base of an eyelash or on, inside, or under the eyelid, which is the result of an acute infection of the oil glands of the eyelid. Complications of a sty can be blepharitis and chalazion.
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form
of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer
in humans. There are three main types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma and
squamous cell carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.
Head lice infection is called pediculosis. Lice are parasites that feed on blood and can be found on the scalp and hair of infected people. Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation include a tickling sensation, itching, and sores on the head. Head lice may be eliminated with various over-the-counter shampoos and washing all clothing and bed linens in the hot water cycle. Combs and brushes should be disinfected, and the floor and furniture should be vacuumed.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Dry eyes are caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, but also can be caused by the drying out of the tear film. This can be due to dry air created by air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions.
Chalazions are cysts that form on the eyelid when a meibomian gland becomes inflamed. The meibomian glands secrete a mixture of oil and mucus (sebum) that lubricates the eye. When the gland becomes clogged, the material builds up and causes swelling.
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an eye-care OTC product.
Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. The depth and size of the wound incision and the location of the injury impact the scar's characteristics, but your age, heredity and even sex or ethnicity will affect how your skin reacts.
A chalazion is a lump of the upper or lower eyelid caused by obstruction and inflammation of an oil gland of the eyelid.
A chalazion is not a tumor and does not cause permanent changes in the vision.
A chalazion is very common and usually goes away without the necessity of surgery.
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion is a lump of the upper or lower eyelid caused by inflammation of a gland of the lid. It may be soft and fluid-filled or firmer. A chalazion is also referred to as a meibomian cyst, tarsal cyst, or conjunctival granuloma.
What are these eyelid glands?
Eyelid glands are called the meibomian glands. They are also known as the palpebral glands, tarsal glands, or tarsoconjunctival glands. There are
30 to 40 of these glands in each of the upper and lower lids. These glands produce a thick liquid secretion that is discharged into the...
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