Blepharitis natural history, complications and prognosis: Difference between revisions
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==Natural History== | ==Natural History== | ||
Blepharitis is often caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria (''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]''). It is usually [[asymptomatic]] until the disease progresses. As it progresses, the patient begins to notice a [[foreign body]] sensation, matting of the lashes, and burning. | Blepharitis is often caused by an overgrowth of the [[bacteria]] (''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]''), and [[meibomian gland|meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)]]. It is usually [[asymptomatic]] until the disease progresses. As it progresses, the patient begins to notice a [[foreign body]] sensation, eyelid crusting, matting of the lashes, tearing, and burning. [[Symptoms]] are typically worse in the mornings, and can frequently be improved but are rarely eliminated. If left untreated, may cause alterations in the [[eyelid margin]], loss of eyelashes, [[scarring]] of the [[eyelid]]s, conjunctivitis, corneal involvement ([[corneal neovascularization]] and corneal [ulceration]]), and superficial [[keratopathy]]. This may lead to blindness. | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
Revision as of 18:43, 12 July 2016
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mehrsefat, M.D. [2]
Overview
Natural History
Blepharitis is often caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). It is usually asymptomatic until the disease progresses. As it progresses, the patient begins to notice a foreign body sensation, eyelid crusting, matting of the lashes, tearing, and burning. Symptoms are typically worse in the mornings, and can frequently be improved but are rarely eliminated. If left untreated, may cause alterations in the eyelid margin, loss of eyelashes, scarring of the eyelids, conjunctivitis, corneal involvement (corneal neovascularization and corneal [ulceration]]), and superficial keratopathy. This may lead to blindness.
Complications
Complications to viral conjunctivitis include:
- Styes (a red tender bump on the eyelid that is caused by an acute infection of the oil glands of the eyelid)
- Chalazia (usually painless firm lump caused by inflammation of the oil glands of the eyelid, and can be painful and red if there is also an infection)
- Injury to the eye tissue (corneal ulcer) from irritation
- Inflammation of the surface of the eye (conjunctivitis)
- Loss of eyelashes
- Scarring of the eyelids
Prognosis
Blepharitis is a chronic condition. Blepharitis is associated with good prognosis, with exacerbation and remission as the natural history. Patients should be informed that symptoms can frequently be improved but are rarely eliminated. Continued treatment will typically make the eyes less red and more comfortable.
Severe blepharitis is rarely associated with permanent alterations in the eyelid margin or vision loss from superficial keratopathy, corneal neovascularization, and ulceration, and therefore these patients have a poor long term prognosis.