eye disorders
Blepharitis
Key Points
Common forms of blepharitis include acute ulcerative (often secondary to staphylococcal or herpes virus infection), acute nonulcerative (usually allergic), and chronic (often with meibomian gland dysfunction or seborrheic dermatitis). Secondary keratoconjunctivitis sicca usually accompanies chronic blepharitis. Common symptoms include itching and burning of the eyelid margins and conjunctival irritation with lacrimation, photosensitivity, and foreign body sensation. Diagnosis is usually by slit-lamp examination. Consider alternate diagnoses, including eyelid carcinoma, if chronic blepharitis is unilateral. Supportive treatments are indicated (eg, warm compresses, eyelid cleansing, and treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca as needed). Specific drug treatments can include topical antimicrobials for acute ulcerative blepharitis, systemic antivirals if viral infection is suspected, and topical corticosteroids for persistent acute nonulcerative blepharitis. Treatment of chronic blepharitis includes treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca with tear supplements and, as-needed use of warm compresses and topical or systemic antibiotics. 