Blepharitis »
What is blepharitis?
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
t...
Read the Blepharitis article »