Inflammation of The Eyelids Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Inflammation of the eyelids or in medical language is called blepharitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the eyelids.
Inflammation most often occurs on the edges of the eyelids. The inflammation involves the follicles and some of the glands in the eyelid area.
Blepharitis often makes sufferers feel sore and uncomfortable eyelids. Even so, inflammation of the eyelids is generally not contagious.
There are two types of eyelid inflammation, namely:
1. Anterior blepharitis
Anterior blepharitis is inflammation that affects the front outer eyelid (where the eyelashes are attached).
2. Posterior blepharitis
Meanwhile, posterior blepharitis is inflammation that affects the inner eyelid (the part of the eyelid that is moist and in contact with the eyeball).
Inflammation of the Eyelids
| Medical specialist | Eye |
| Symptom | The eyelids are swollen, red, look greasy, there is crust or dirt on the eyelids |
| risk factor | Poor hygiene, use of cosmetics, allergies, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, oily skin conditions |
| How to diagnose | Medical interview, physical examination of the eyelids, skin sampling |
| Treatment | Warm compresses, medicines |
| Drug | Antibiotics, steroids, artificial tears, and medications appropriate to the underlying condition |
| Complications | Eyelash problems, abnormal eyelid skin, dry eyes, conjunctivitis, corneal injuries |
| When to see a doctor? | If the symptoms of blepharitis that have been mentioned appear |
Symptom
In general, blepharitis affects both eyes and symptoms are worse in the morning. Some of the symptoms that people with inflammation of the eyelids complain about include:
- Itching of the eyelids
- Burning sensation and pain in the eyelids
- The lids look swollen, red and feel warm to the touch
- Eyelids look greasy
- Formation of fine scales and scabs especially around the base of the eyelashes
- Eyes feel watery
- Eyes feel stuck or like there is sand
- Sensitive to light
- The eyelids feel sticky
- Lots of blinking
- Sometimes accompanied by loss of eyelashes (madarosis)
Reason
Inflammation of the eyelids can be caused by several things, such as:
- Staphylococcus bacterial infection
- Lice infection on eyelashes
- The condition of seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) on the head and eyebrows
- Blockage of the oil glands in the eyelids
- Allergic reactions, for example, due to the use of cosmetics in the eye area
- Rosacea
Risk Factors
Several risk factors that can increase the occurrence of inflammatory disease of the eyelids include:
- Lack of eye hygiene
- Use of cosmetic products in the eye area
- Presence of skin problems, such as seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea
- Oily skin conditions
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of blepharitis is made by a general practitioner or an ophthalmologist. In determining the diagnosis of inflammation of the eyelids or blepharitis, the doctor will conduct a medical interview and a thorough physical examination.
The doctor will ask about the symptoms that have appeared, since when the symptoms appeared, your medical history, to risk factors that increase the risk of blepharitis, such as the use of cosmetics in the eyes and hygiene.
After the medical interview, the doctor will continue the physical examination of the patient’s eyes. The doctor will assess the condition of the eyelids using a special magnifying device.
Investigations such as taking samples from the skin of the eyelids can also be done to determine the cause of blepharitis, whether it is related to bacterial, fungal, or allergic infections.
Treatment
How to treat and treat inflammation of the eyelids can include:
1. Maintain Cleanliness of the Eyelids
How to treat inflammation of the eyelids naturally is to compress the eyelids using a cloth or cotton that has been moistened with warm water.
Do this warm compress for 5-10 minutes to help remove crusts or dirt stuck to the eyelids. Gently, you can also massage it to help remove the remaining crust.
Patients with blepharitis can also use baby shampoo to clean the eyelid area. When applying baby shampoo to your eyelids, do a gentle massage using your fingers or a clean cloth. After that, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
2. Avoid Using Cosmetics in the Eye Area
To speed up recovery, you should avoid using cosmetics in the eye area, including contact lenses.
Cosmetics in the eye area are often difficult to clean. If there are still product residues, the inflammatory condition can get worse.
3. Use of Drugs
Doctors can also give several types of drugs to help relieve inflammation of the eyelids, such as:
4. Antibiotics
Antibiotics in the form of ointments, eye drops, or orally can be given to people with blepharitis, especially if there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection.
5. Steroids
Steroid-class drugs can also be given to people with inflammation of the eyelids. This aims to help reduce inflammation. This steroid-class drug can be given in the form of eye drops or ointment.
6. Handling in Accordance with Related Health Conditions
If blepharitis is caused by seborrheic dermatitis, the doctor will provide therapy according to the cause. That way, inflamed eyelids also improve.
7. Artificial Tear Drops
Doctors can also provide artificial tear drops. This aims to help moisturize your eyes so that complaints of dry or gritty eyes can be overcome.
Prevention
To prevent blepharitis, you can do the following:
- Avoid touching your eyes or rubbing your eyes, especially if your hands are dirty
- Always clean your face clean, especially the eye area, after using cosmetics
- Use cosmetic products that are safe and easy to clean
- Take good care of the scalp, if dandruff appears, immediately treat this problem. If the dandruff condition gets worse, consult a doctor immediately
- Immediately check if you experience sore, red, and swollen eyelids
Complications
Inflammation of the eyelids that is not treated properly can cause complications, in the form of:
- Problems with eyelashes, such as abnormal eyelash growth, eyelash loss or madarosis, to loss of color
- Problems in the skin of the eyelids. Having a scar from blepharitis increases the risk of the eyelid tip turning inward or outward
- Dry eyes
- Conjunctivitis
- Stye, which is a lump on the eyelid that is painful due to infection
- A chalazion, a lump like a nodule on the eyelid, is generally caused by a blockage of the oil glands on the edge of the eyelid
- Corneal injury
When to See a Doctor?
If symptoms appear as described, you can immediately go to the doctor to get treatment according to your condition.