Blepharitis

Diagnosis

1. sore/itchy
2. inflammation of lid margin w/ ocular irritation, matted lashes
3. Distinguish anterior from posterior blepharitis using slit lamp
   1. Posterior - swelling and pluggin of meibomian gland openings
   2. Anterior - on external exam, material such as greasy flakes (seborrheic) or hard crust (staph) surrounds eyelashes

DDx

• Hordeolum
• Chalazion
• Dry eye
• Contact lens intolerance

Treatment

1. Lid hygiene most important for both anterior and posterior blepharitis
2. Warm compresses 15min 4x/day
3. Scrub w/ mild shampoo BID
4. Consider topical erythromycin or bacitracin directly onto lid margin
5. No conclusive evidence for oral antibiotics or topical steroids
6. Outpt ophtho - chronic condition without definitive cure

See Also

Red Eye (Bilateral)

Sources

• UpToDate