Blepharitis is a condition that causes eyelid irritation, watery eyes, sticky eyelashes, foreign body sensation, and eye pain. It is very commonly associated with dry eye disease. At Eye Doctors of Arizona, with locations Downtown, North, and Biltmore in Phoenix, blepharitis is a condition we commonly treat. It is a condition all our patients should recognize to know to come in for treatment.
What are the symptoms ofblepharitis?
People who have blepharitis may have blurry vision that comes and goes. Maybe they spend a few hours outdoors in dry conditions, and then they just can't focus to read or use a computer. People who have blepharitis often have burning, watering, aching eyes. Their eyes may generate copious amounts of mucus that forms crusts on the edges of the eyelids and mats eyelashes. Their eyes may involuntarily close when they go out into bright sunlight, also having generalized symptoms on the face and scalp.
What causes blepharitis?
Symptoms of blepharitis that come on quickly resolving in a few hours are usually caused by something in the environment. People who are not accustomed to the dry air of Phoenix may have blepharitis symptoms shortly after they first arrive. Allergies can cause blepharitis, as can exposure to automobile and truck exhaust, severe air pollution, and chemical fumes.
Chronic blepharitis is more likely to be connected to infections or autoimmune disease. Blepharitis can result from infections with the virus that causes cold sores. It can follow exposure to the virus that causes a condition known as molluscum contagiosum. It can result from staph infections, or from infestations with tiny parasites in the same family as spiders known as Demodex.
Ongoing symptoms of blepharitis can also be the result of chronic disease. Blepharitis can be part of the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis or a highly reactive form of acne known as rosacea. A combination of blepharitis and dry mouth may indicate an autoimmune condition known as Sjogren's(SHOW-grins) syndrome.
Is blepharitis a serious condition?
It can be hard to imagine that something as simple as watery eyes and sticky eyelashes can lead to serious eye conditions, but it is important to manage the complications of blepharitis. Some people who have repeated problems with blepharitis develop entropion, an eyelid that folds under so the eyelid and eyelashes constantly rub against the eye. They can develop ectropion, an eyelid that folds over itself and never completely shuts. Rarely, corneal degenerative changes can occur in the most chronic and severe conditions. There are people who have blepharitis who lose their eyelashes. This chronic inflammation can lead to permanentloss of vision.
If you have blepharitis, you need to see one of our eye care specialists. We have both ophthalmologists and optometrists.
At Eye Doctors of Arizona, with locations Downtown, North, and Biltmore in Phoenix, we are here to help. Callfor an appointment at any of our three convenient locations:
Downtown- (602) 257-8280 Ext 1 North- (602) 257-8280 Ext 2 Biltmore-(602) 257-8280 Ext 3
