Blepharitis

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the edges of the eyelids. Etiology is diverse: chronic infectious and infectious-allergic diseases, hypovitaminosis, anemia, helminthic invasion, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, teeth, nasopharynx. Predisposing factors are uncorrected ametropia, chronic conjunctivitis, lacrimal pathology, exposure to wind, dust, and smoke.

Symptoms, course. Distinguish blepharitis simple, or scaly, ulcerative and meibomic. With simple blepharitis, the eyelid margins are slightly hyperemic, sometimes somewhat thickened, covered with small grayish-white scales. Itching feels in the eyelids. For ulcerative blepharitis is characterized by the formation on the edge of the century purulent crusts, after the removal of which are exposed bleeding ulcers. Their scarring leads to the loss of eyelashes, their incorrect growth. With meibomian blepharitis, the edges of the eyelids are hyperemic, thickened, and appear oiled. When pressing on the cartilage an oily secret is released. The course of the disease is chronic.

Treatment. General health measures after a thorough examination of the patient. Rich in vitamins food. Creation of hygienic working and living conditions. Correct correction of ametropia. With simple blepharitis, after removing the scales with a cotton swab, grease the edge of the eyelid with a 1% solution of brilliant green or rub 1% yellow mercury ointment, 30% ointment of sulfacyl sodium. For the removal of crusts with ulcerative blepharitis, first apply a compress with fish oil, oil or ointment. Naked sores for 3-5 days daily lubricate 1% solution of brilliant green, 5% solution of silver nitrate, and subsequently - 30% ointment sulfacil sodium and other ointments with sulfonamides and antibiotics. In stubborn cases of ulcerative blepharitis, autohemotherapy, physiotherapy, and irradiation with Bucca rays are performed. With meibomian blepharitis, the secret of meibomian glands is squeezed through the skin of the eyelid, placing a glass rod under the anesthesia (procedures in 1-2 days, for a course of 15-20 massage sessions). Immediately after massage and degreasing with ether or alcohol, the eyelid edges are lubricated with 30% solution of sulfacyl-sodium or 1% with brilliant green solution.

Forecast. Systematic treatment of blepharitis gives only a temporary improvement.