is risk of blepharitis higher as we get older?

Question

Do I have blepharitis or conjunctivitis? Does it matter which if I get antibiotics?

Answer 1

Yes: Age and gender both are important. Almost 70 yo 80% of females above age 60 have blepharitis.

Answer 2

Generally chronic: Blepharitis is a common condition which often affects older patients. Oils secreted from glands within the eyelash margins begin to build up and irritate the eye and surrounding eye skin. This may also occur in younger patients with rosacea who have acne and overactive oil production. In these patients, styes and chalazia commonly result from the inflammatory response to the oil buildup. Blepharitis is generally chronic but it may be treated either with good daily hygiene: a washcloth soaked in an astringent detergent such as baby shampoo applied to the eyelashes two to four times daily (most conveniently at night before sleep and in the am after showering) to debride the eyelash margin of any oil buildup. In recalcitrant cases, a steroid or steroid/antibiotic ointment applied after lid scrubs will help reduce inflammation and bacterial load. Finally, in cases of rosacea, the oral antibiotic Doxycycline is very helpful in reducing oil production.

Answer 3

Chronic: Can be controllable with lid hygiene, antibiotics, sometimes short course of topical steroids for inflammation, treatment of other associated conditions like rosacea.

Answer 4

Chronic: Check for underlying nasal congestion , postnasal drip which can secondarily lead to swollen irritated eyelids. Along with topical meds, a trial of Mucinex (guaifenesin) is worthwhile if there are nasal or sinus symptoms.

Answer 5

Chronic: Blepharitis, crusting and inflammation of the eyelid margin, is a chronic condition that requires constant maintenance. Improving the health of the eyelid margin and meibomian glands will improve your symptoms, but failure to maintain proper lid hygiene will lead to a recurrence of symptoms.

Answer 6

Lid hygiene: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by overgrowth of normal skin bacteria that clogs the openings of the oil glands, as well as other factors. The end result is red, sometimes irritated eyelids and dry eyes. Treatment is aimed at decreasing the inflammation and bacteria with topical antibiotics and steroids, and increasing oil flow via hot compresses and other methods.

Answer 7

Blepharitis: Compresses w washcloth w hot water massage several minutes over closed lids. Apply baby shampoo to washcloth and clean lids w eyes closed, rinse. Perform 1-2x day. Short course of steroids and artificial tears for eye inflammation. Doxycycline or Minocycline of benefit, esp w associated rosacea.

Answer 8

Blepharitis: Blepharitis is a common inflammation of the eyelid margins. This can be from staphyloccocal bacteria or inflammation and dysfunction of the meibomian oil glands. Blepharitis also occurs in people who have oily skin, dandruff or rosacea. Symptoms include burning, eye and eyelid irritation, redness, and itching.

Answer 9

Two types: There are 2 types of blepharitis, anterior and posterior. Anterior is often associated with demodex folliculorum, as well as staph bacteria, and posterior involves plugging of the oil glands as wel. Treatments are similar including application of heat and lid hygiene. Symptoms are similar as well and include burning and stinging of the eyes and lids, irritation upon awakening, fluctuating vision.

Answer 10

Lid Scrubs: Cleaning the eyelid area with a dilute baby shampoo solution on a swab or cotton ball for 30 seconds each eye every day is a good way to keep blepharitis in check.

Answer 11

Lid inflammation: Blepharitis is a condition where the lid margin becomes inflamed and irritated. Many causes, but you know you have it with crusting on the lids, sometimes itchy, and blocked oil glands (meiboimian gland dysfunction).

Answer 12

Common: Blepharitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margin. It can cause redness, tearing, itching and burning of the eyes. Once identified, the condition can be easily managed. Consult your eye doctor if you have any of those symptoms to see whether they are caused by blepharitis.

is risk of blepharitis higher as we get older?

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