Blepharitis

What is a Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins. The inflammation may be “sterile” or due to a bacterial infection, auto-immune skin disease or parasitic infestation of the eyelids. Most often, blepharitis is caused by a bacterial infection with a species of Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. An oral antibiotic with a spectrum effective against Staph and Strep bacterial is typically prescribed. In many cases, part of the eyelid inflammation is caused by hypersensitivity to bacterial toxins, necessitating concurrent treatment with low doses of oral steroids. Cytology (cell analysis), or culture and susceptibility testing of the eyelid margins may be recommended should the blepharitis not respond to conventional therapy.