Blepharitis
What is it?
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margin.
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| Crusting of the eyelashes in anterior blepharitis |
The eyelid margin
Although the eyelid margin is very narrow there are two quite separate and important zones.
The anterior zone contains the roots of the eyelashes. The posterior zone contains small oil glands known as the meibomian glands.
Types of blepharitis
There are three types of blepharitis:
- Anterior blepharitis
- Posterior blepharitis
- Mixed blepharitis
Anterior blepharitis
Anterior blepharitis affects the front edge of the eyelid and eyelashes. This type of blepharitis is similar to dandruff; the eyelid margin becomes greasy and crusted. Bacterial infection is common. In severe cases eyelash loss occurs.
Posterior blepharitis
Posterior blepharitis, also known as meibomianitis, affects the back edge of the eyelid and the meibomian glands. Posterior blepharitis is like acne. The meibomian gland secretions thicken and the glands become blocked and inflamed. Infection is rare.
Mixed blepharitis
Mixed blepharitis is inflammation of the entire lid margin.