Symptoms of Eyelid Inflammation

The symptoms and causes of eyelid inflammation are among the questions widely asked by people affected by it. The symptoms of eyelid inflammation, also known as blepharitis, are generally similar in most people, and they can grow more severe depending on the state of the infection. Eyelid inflammation appears at the first stage with stinging, itching and pain felt while closing or rubbing the eyelid. It becomes more severe as the infection advances.

• Dry eye
• Swelling of the eyes
• A burning sensation
• Blurred vision
• Blinking more than usual
• Excessive watering of the eye
• Loss of lashes
• Oily eyelids
• Swelling at the base of the lashes
• Heavy discharge
• Sensitivity to light

If one or more of these is present, seeing a specialist and taking early precautions is sensible.

Eyelid Inflammation

Eyelid inflammation is a condition known medically as blepharitis. It shows itself through swelling forming around the eye and at the base of the lashes. These visible changes become more pronounced as the inflammation increases. Alongside eye inflammation, swelling and itching of the eye are met very commonly. According to research in recent years, the condition has been found in a large share of people consulting a doctor about an eye complaint. Where eye inflammation advances, permanent marks or damage can remain on the eyelids. Patients with eyelid inflammation therefore need early diagnosis and treatment. The condition can reappear after it has cleared. People with the symptoms of eyelid inflammation should always pay close attention to their eye hygiene. The condition generally occurs through external factors, and neglecting eye hygiene is the most important of them. Eyelid inflammation diagnosed and treated early leaves no permanent mark or damage on the eyelid. Consulting a doctor as soon as the symptoms are met is an important detail.

Causes of Eyelid Inflammation

The causes of eyelid inflammation can appear through many situations. There does not always have to be a cause behind the condition, also known as blepharitis. It can sometimes appear out of nowhere in people whose immunity is low. Other situations also lead to it forming. The causes of eyelid inflammation can be listed as follows:

• Neglecting hygiene while wearing contact lenses
• Heavy exposure to dusty and dirty surroundings
• Types of bacteria
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Dryness of the eye
• Lash mites and lice
• Blockage of the oil glands in the eyelid
• Make-up products

If inflammation occurring in the eyelids is left untreated it can lead to complications. Problems such as trouble with the lashes, the condition becoming chronic, the eye not opening fully and corneal ulcer can all appear with this inflammation. To avoid all of this, the necessary treatment must always be applied as soon as eyelid inflammation is identified. The medication the doctor gives should be used regularly and the state of the inflammation monitored.

Identifying Eyelid Inflammation

Identifying and treating eyelid inflammation is an extremely important stage. Patients who see a doctor about this condition first undergo a detailed examination. The medication the patient takes, their medical circumstances and how long the symptoms have been present all matter. Following this information, the state of the patient's eye is assessed with special devices. Where it is considered necessary, the eye is examined in more detail with other devices using anaesthetic methods. During testing, devices produced specifically for eye clinics are used. Magnifiers, lights, devices that allow the back of the eye to be seen and instruments that allow the eye to be examined more closely are all used. The diagnosis is generally made with a slit-lamp examination. In cases that do not respond to treatment, a sample can be taken from the eyelid and examined. Through the result of that sample, the fungus, allergen or bacterium causing the inflammation is revealed. During the examination the eye is cleaned with special solutions, and a sample of the person's tears can then be taken and sent for testing. Through these tests the situation causing the eyelid inflammation is revealed clearly.

Treatment of Eyelid Inflammation

Treatment for eyelid inflammation generally proceeds through informing the person, because it is possible to clear the situation with treatments they can apply at home. First of all, people should pay attention to their own hygiene. For inflammation at advanced stages, however, medical treatment can also be applied. By applying a warm compress, the inflammation on the eyelid is reduced and the blocked oil glands opened. Another method is cleaning the eyelid. With a shampoo that does not sting the eyes and a sterile cotton bud, the inflamed part of the eye can be cleaned by massaging gently. The area stays hygienic this way and the inflammation eases. The eyes should also not be rubbed with dirty hands, and the hands should always be kept clean. If the oil glands at the lid margin stay blocked despite a warm compress, a small surgical procedure may be needed. So that the inflammation does not spread to the inner parts of the eye or to other areas, medication such as antibiotics can be turned to. For inflammation that does not clear, eye drops containing steroid can sometimes be used as well. This depends entirely on the state of the patient's infection. Drops containing steroid should only be used under a doctor's supervision and for short periods, because long-term use can raise the pressure within the eye. Where the doctor considers it necessary, medicines with very different inhibitors can be used in certain types of inflammation. Through these medicines the symptoms ease and recovery is accelerated. Where eyelid inflammation is caused by another condition, the underlying cause is addressed first. A treatment plan suited to it is then drawn up, with the aim of the patient recovering as quickly as possible. If there is swelling, itching or redness of the eyelid, a doctor should be seen without delay. If the condition is not taken seriously or the right measures are not applied, the inflammation can become more severe. Taking precautions helps to avoid permanent damage and to protect eye health. What is Macular Degeneration?