Eyelids: Blepharitis and Eyelid Bumps
EYELIDS: BLEPHARITIS AND EYELID BUMPS
WHAT IS BLEPHARITIS?
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Naturally, bacteria exist on the skin around our eyes and our eyelashes. When these bacteria become excessive, they can cause an inflammatory response leading to itchy, red, and watery eyes.
Blepharitis can be classified as anterior blepharitis or posterior blepharitis (meibomian gland dysfunction).
Anterior blepharitis arises from an infection of the glands along our eyelids that are associated with the eyelashes. Symptoms include crusting around the eyelids, lid redness and swelling, and irritated watery eyes. Treatment for anterior blepharitis involves diligent lid hygiene. This includes the use of lid scrubs or wipes (sometimes containing tea tree oil) to remove excess bacteria. Occasionally, in the case of severe infection or corneal involvement, a health practitioner may choose to start a course of antibiotic ointment.
Posterior blepharitis is also known as meibomian gland dysfunction. The meibomian glands are oil glands that exist along the eyelids and secrete oils that form part of our tear layer which coats the front of the eye. Blockage due to dysfunction of the meibomian glands results in stagnant secretions, leading to the formation of thick, cloudy white-yellow secretion when the gland is expressed. Obstruction of the gland can lead to bacterial accumulation resulting in inflamed eyelids and watery eyes. Treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction includes warm compress followed by massage and expression of the glands, artificial lubricants as well as education on the potential impact of diet and the environment. In moderate to severe cases, a practitioner may choose to prescribe oral antibiotics to reduce eyelid inflammation.
STYES (EXTERNAL HORDEOLUM)
Styes can be a common occurrence in people with anterior blepharitis. A stye is a red, inflamed pimple-like bump that suddenly appears along the lid margin. It forms due to infection of the glands associated with our eyelashes. These red bumps tend to be tender and painful, lasting a couple of weeks. Treatment for styes includes hot compress and massaging the eyelid glands. Antibiotic eye drops are not usually required in the recovery process as the medication contained in them rarely reaches sufficient concentration at the site of infection along the eyelid.
INTERNAL HORDEOLUM
An internal hordeolum can form as a result of acute infection of a meibomian gland. As the infected gland is deeper in the eyelid tissue when inflamed the whole eyelid appears red, swollen, and tender. Similar to the treatment of styes, a warm compress is used. Oral antibiotics can be prescribed in this case to speed up recovery. Internal hordeolum have more potential to cause harm as infection can spread further therefore it is important to consult a health professional if symptoms get worse.