What causes blepharitis?

What causes blepharitis?
Blepharitis occurs in two forms:
"Anterior blepharitis" and "Posterior blepharitis"

Anterior blepharitis

Anterior blepharitis affects the outside front of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. It is most commonly caused by bacteria (Staphylococcus) and scalp dandruff.

• Staphylococcal blepharitis
  This type of blepharitis is thought to be caused by a bacterium (germ) called staphylococcus. The staphylococcus bacterium commonly lives in low numbers on the skin without doing any harm. However, in some people, it seems that this bacteria causes a localised infection of the eyelids to cause blepharitis. Why this may occur in some people and not most people is not clear.
  
• Seborrhoeic blepharitis
  This type is closely associated with a skin condition called seborrhoeic dermatitis. In seborrhoiec dermatitis, the affected skin becomes more oily and can become scaly. Seborrhoeic dermatitis typically causes bad dandruff and sometimes a rash, commonly on the face and upper body. The underlying cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis is not clear. A yeast germ called Malassezia furfur is involved. However, it is not just a simple skin infection and it is not contagious (you cannot 'catch' this condition from others). This yeast germ lives in the sebum (oil) of human skin in most adults. In most people it does no harm. But some people seem to 'react' to this germ in some way which causes inflammation.
  
  Posterior blepharitis
  Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid and is caused by problems with the oil glands. It can be associated with acne rosacea.
  
• Meibomian blepharitis — (often called meibomian gland dysfunction.)
  The tiny meibomian glands in the eyelids lie just behind the eyelashes. You have about 50 glands on the upper eyelids and 25 on the lower eyelids. They make a small amount of oily fluid (oily secretions) which comes out on the back of the eyelids next to the eye. This oily fluid forms the outer layer of the tear film which lubricates the front of the eye. People with meibomian blepharitis are thought to have a slight problem with their meibomian glands and the fluid they produce which may lead to eyelid inflammation. (This also explains why people with meibomian blepharitis often have dry eyes as the fluid they make may not be adequate to lubricate the eye.)
  
• Acne rosacea, which leads to red and inflamed skin
  
  Combinations of the above
  In practice, it is often not possible to tell the difference between the above causes. Indeed, seborrhoeic blepharitis commonly occurs together with meibomian blepharitis. And, skin which is inflamed anyway is more likely to become infected by the staphylococcus. So, all three causes may contribute to many cases with the main cause varying from case to case.
  
  A vicious circle may play a part
  Blepharitis tends to 'flare-up' for a time and then ease off in severity. If you have blepharitis, you are likely to always have a tendency to have it as each of the above causes tends to be a long-term problem. Sometimes a 'vicious cycle' may play a part. For example, your eyelids may become slightly inflamed and itchy, but not too bad. You may then rub them - which makes the inflammation worse. This in turn can lead to your eyelids becoming sore. You may then keep rubbing them further, which leads to more inflammation, and so on.

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What is blepharitis?

"Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis is often a persistent condition with no one-off 'cure'. However, symptoms can usually be eased. Once symptoms have eased, daily 'eyelid hygiene' can usually keep the symptoms to a minimum. Eyesight is rarely affected."

What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It usually affects the edges (margins) of the eyelids. It is not usually serious, but may become an uncomfortable, irritating problem. Blepharitis is typically chronic (persistent). Both eyes are usually affected.

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Blepharitis (an inflammation of the eyelid) and dry eye are characterized by bacterial overgrowth on the lids. These bacteria are central to the etiology of blepharitis and exacerbate dry eye. Also, punctal plugs that are helpful in treating dry eye become colonized by bacteria. In addition, the bacteria on the eyelid can cause eye infections in anyone, including the eye infection seen after eye surgery or eye injections called “endophthalmitis.”

While daily lid hygiene is important for everyone, and especially important for patients with these conditions, patients have had to make do with diluted mixtures of baby shampoo or soap-pads designed to remove eye makeup.Linalool, a key ingredient in SteriLid, is a naturally-occurring liquid distilled from plant oils with wide use in personal care products based on its pleasant floral scent. It is found in many flowers and spice plants, as well as in tea tree oil.

Linalool has been formulated into SteriLid to create a “gentle-on-the-eye” eyelid cleanser that cleanses yet, with its pH-matched-to-skin formula, helps maintain the skin oils that have antibacterial properties, and provide the skin with a natural defense.

Pumped onto and then applied directly with clean fingertips, SteriLid conditions the delicate eyelid skin while providing effective lid hygiene with comfort and convenience.

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids caused by increased bacteria on the eyelid margins and eyelashes. Doctors generally recommend you use SteriLid twice daily.

Dry eyes contain increased bacteria on the eyelids and eyelashes that contribute to dry-eye irritation. Doctors generally recommend you use SteriLid twice daily.


Before eye surgery. In the operating room immediately before surgery, doctors take special care to clean and disinfect the eyelids and adjacent skin to help avoid infections after surgery. Now you can prepare your eye for this process by starting SteriLid in the days leading up to eye surgery. Doctors generally recommend you start using SteriLid twice a day 3 days before surgery, and leave it in place for 60 seconds for maximum effectiveness.