It affects

30%

of the population

There are

2

types: anterior and posterior

It is related to

85%

of dry eye cases

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is inflammation of the edge of the eyelid and can be anterior (affecting the outermost area around the base of the eyelashes) or posterior (affecting the innermost part in contact with the eye), as well as mixed (a combination of anterior and posterior blepharitis). In the various cases, it may be associated with skin disorders, such as rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis, although it is not always possible to identify its cause.

It is a common problem that affects around 30% of the population and is often related to cases of dry eye, as it leads to a worsening of tear quality.

What causes it?

Anterior blepharitis is usually caused by excess oil or a proliferation of bacteria. In some cases, it is a consequence of infections caused by a microorganism called Demodex.

Posterior blepharitis is caused by a malfunction of the Meibomian glands, either due to them becoming blocked, damaged or producing too much oil secretion. These small glands are located inside the eyelids and are responsible for producing the lipid-based component of tears (the oil that makes them more stable and ensures that they stay on the ocular surface for an appropriate amount of time).

Meibomian gland dysfunction results in instability of the tear film, as well as inflammation and damage to the ocular surface. In general, it is a significant but overlooked condition, estimated to be present in about 85% of patients with ocular dryness. It is usually a result of:

  • Excessive contact lens use
  • Hormonal changes (adolescence and menopause)
  • Ageing
  • Treatments for skin diseases
  • Chemotherapy

How can it be prevented?

Careful and regular eyelid hygiene – in the same way that we brush our teeth every day – helps to eliminate excess bacteria and oil from the edges of the eyelids, thereby decreasing the likelihood of suffering from this condition. Find out detailed information on the steps to follow in our eye health tips section.

Symptoms

The degree of severity is extremely variable and, while milder cases can go unnoticed by patients or cause only discrete discomfort, the most serious ones can produce complications, mainly in the cornea, and even affect vision.

The following are some of the characteristic symptoms associated with blepharitis and Meibomian gland dysfunction:

  • Redness of the eye
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Itching/stinging
  •  Skin flakes between the eyelashes
  • Ocular dryness
  • Photophobia
  • Excessive need to blink
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain

Clinical signs are often detected by the ophthalmologist before the patient notices any symptoms, which can manifest themselves late.

Associated treatments

Blepharitis treatment is based on adequate daily eyelid hygiene carried out regularly and correctly to achieve good results. This requires applying warm swabs to closed eyelids for 5 minutes, massaging them vertically (towards the root of the eyelashes) to enable bacteria and oil to escape and, lastly, cleaning them with a soap solution or special wipes.

In some cases of blepharitis, topical treatment with antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be required and, in addition, for some patients, certain treatments can be applied in the consulting room to improve the disorder and associated dry eye problems.

IMO Institute of Ocular Microsurgery

Josep María Lladó, 3
08035 Barcelona
Phone: (+34) 934 000 700
E-mail: international@imo.es
See map on Google Maps

By car

GPS navigator coordinates:
41º 24’ 38” N – 02º 07’ 29” E

Exit 7 of the Ronda de Dalt (mountain side). The clinic has a car park with more than 200 parking spaces.

By bus

Autobus H2: Rotonda de Bellesguard, parada 1540

Autobus 196: Josep Maria Lladó-Bellesguard, parada 3191

Autobuses H2, 123, 196: Ronda de Dalt – Bellesguard, parada 0071

IMO Madrid

C/ Valle de Pinares Llanos, 3
28035 Madrid
Phone: (+34) 910 783 783
See map in Google Maps

Public transport

Metro Lacoma (líne 7)
Autobuses:

  • Lines 49 & 64, stop “Senda del Infante”
  • Line N21, stop “Metro Lacoma”

Timetables

Patient care:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

IMO Andorra

Av. de les Nacions Unides, 17
AD700 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra
Phone: (+376) 688 55 44
See map in Google Maps

IMO Manresa

C/ Carrasco i Formiguera, 33 (Baixos)
08242 – Manresa
Tel: (+34) 938 749 160
See map in Google Maps

Public transport

FGC. Line R5 & R50 direction Manresa. Station/Stop: Baixador de Manresa

Timetables

Monday to Friday, 08:30 A.M – 13:30 PM / 15:00 PM – 20:00 PM

Make an appointment

We call you

Please provide us with the following details so that we can call you and help you in any way we can..