Blepharitis - Complications of blepharitis

Blepharitis can cause many different problems, although serious complications are rare.

Some of the complications associated with blepharitis can potentially affect your vision, although your eyesight should not be permanently damaged if these problems are identified and treated quickly.

Some of the main complications of blepharitis are described below.

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common complication of blepharitis. It occurs when your eyes do not make enough tears, or your tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to your eyes drying out and becoming inflamed, which can cause them to feel dry, gritty and sore.

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by the same skin conditions that can cause blepharitis  seborrhoeic dermatitis (a condition that causes your skin to become oily or flaky) and rosacea (a condition that mainly affects the face)  as these can also affect the quality of your tears.

Speak to your GP if you have constantly dry eyes. They may recommend using eye drops containing "artificial tears" that are often are available from pharmacists without a prescription.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner surfaces of the eyelids.

Conjunctivitis can occur when bacteria in the eyelid infect the eyes. The condition is not usually serious and should not affect your vision.

Most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and will pass in one to two weeks without the need for treatment, but you should contact your GP if you think you have it. If you wear contact lenses, you should consult your optometrist or contact lens practitioner.

Antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed if your symptoms continue, or you have repeated infections.

Meibomian cysts

A Meibomian cyst is when there is swelling on the inside of your eyelids. A cyst can develop if one of your Meibomian glands (which produce an oily substance that forms part of your tears) becomes inflamed as a result of blepharitis.

The cysts are normally painless, unless they get infected. In these cases, you should see your GP, as antibiotics may be needed. Applying a hot compress to the cyst should help reduce the swelling, although cysts often disappear by themselves.

If a cyst does not disappear, it can be removed with a simple surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic (painkilling medication).

Read more about eyelid problems.

Styes

stye is a painful swelling that produces pus and develops on the outside of your eyelid. Styes are caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle (the base of your eyelash).

A mild stye can be treated by applying a warm compress (a cloth warmed with hot water) to the area.

See your GP if you have a very painful stye that is not getting better. If this happens, your GP may drain it using a small needle.

Read more about treating styes.

Damage to the cornea

Severe cases of blepharitis that do not respond to treatment can sometimes cause the cornea (the transparent layer at the front of the eye) to become inflamed and damaged. This is called keratitis.

This damage can lead to the development of ulcers or scarring on the cornea, which could potentially threaten your sight.

Symptoms of keratitis include sudden eye pain, sensitivity to light and a worsening in vision.

Contact your GP immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. If you can't, visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.

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