Blepharitis

Question 1

What is blepharitis

Answer 1

Bilateral, chronic inflammation of the lid margins (hair follicles, glands)

Question 2

What is an anterior blepharitis

Answer 2

Bilateral, chronic inflammation of the skin, eyelashes, associated glands (base of eyelashes)
*less common

Question 3

What tends to cause anterior blepharitis

Answer 3

Staphylococcal
*S. Aureus, S.epidermidis
Malassezia furfur
*seborrhea dermatitis

Question 4

What is a posterior blepharitis

Answer 4

Bilateral, chronic inflammation of the meibomian glands at the inner eyelid (+contact with the eyeball)
*more common

Question 5

What causes posterior blepharitis

Answer 5

1. Hyper-kertitinzation of the meibomian gland
2. Bacterial infection
3. Seborrheic dermatitis

Question 6

What are the signs of BOTH types of blepharitis

Answer 6

1. Excessive tearing
2. Gritty sensation
3. FB sensation
4. Photophobia
5. Pink/red eye edema

Question 7

What are signs of anterior blepharitis (Ulcerative)

Answer 7

1. Greasy scales (scurf)
2. Granulations clinging to eyelashes
3. Lashes fall out
4. Ulcerations
5. “Red rimmed” eyes

Question 8

What are signs of posterior blepharitis (squamous)

Answer 8

1. Hyperemic eyelid margins with telangiesctasias
2. Meibomian glands dilated and plugged with abnl secretions
3. Entropion
4. Frothy or greasy tears
   *may accompany hordeolum or chalazion

Question 9

What is the tx of anterior blepharitis

Answer 9

1. Improve eye lid hygiene
2. Warm moist compress
3. Light scrubbing daily to remove scales)
4. Antibiotic ointment to lid margins

Question 10

What type of ATB can be used for anterior blepharitis

Answer 10

1. Bacitracin
2. Erthryomycin

Question 11

What is the treatment of posterior blepharitis

Answer 11

1. Improved eyelid hygiene
2. • conjunctival inflammation, long term low dose PO ATB
3. Consider referral
   *corticosteroid eye drops

Question 12

What is the prognosis of blepharitis

Answer 12

Ocular hygiene