Blepharitis
Article Sections
Introduction
Blepharitis is an ophthalmologic condition characterized by inflammation and irritation at the eyelid margins. It is typically a chronic disorder with symptoms that wax and wane over time. Patients experience swelling, itching, and crusting of both eyelids and may have burning or a foreign body sensation in the eye. Blepharitis is mainly a clinical diagnosis, and eyelid hygiene is the mainstay of treatment.
Pathophysiology and risk factors
Blepharitis is more common in adults than in children, and risk increases with advancing age. It can be classified as either anterior, involving the base of the eyelashes, or posterior, involving the inner aspect of the eyelid, with considerable overlap in many cases.
The etiology of blepharitis is multifactorial and the exact pathophysiological mechanisms are not completely understood. However, several conditions contribute to an increased risk of blepharitis:
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