Symptoms of Blepharitis
Blepharitis has several symptoms, including; (2)
Sore eyelids
Eyelids are the most delicate and sensitive part of our body. They get irritated often due to different reasons. If you experience redness or soreness in your eyelids, you may suffer from blepharitis. Sore eyelids are often a sign of blepharitis, but can also be caused by other conditions – such as conjunctivitis or dacryocystitis (inflammation of the tear sac).
The exact cause(s) is not fully understood, but it has been known for a number of years that the disease is caused by an accumulation of bacteria and lipid material at the base of the eyelashes. If you are dealing with sore eyelids and other symptoms of blepharitis, an eye condition that often leads to dry eyes, consider beginning a regimen of eyelid hygiene. This can help improve the condition by reducing the presence of debris and bacteria on the eyelid margins.
Redness and swelling
Redness of the lining of the eyelids and around the eye is a common symptom of blepharitis. It may be accompanied by itching, burning and stinging sensations and caused by inflammation of the outermost skin layer of the eyelid. The eye may also appear irritated after rubbing or wearing contact lenses.
Redness is a visible and often one of the first signs of this condition. It can be painless in the beginning, so most people recognize it when someone else points out the sign or when they use a mirror. However, blepharitis is not the only cause of red eye, it can also arise from many conditions including infections, allergies and other medical conditions.
Itchy eyes
If you have a feeling of something in your eyes, an itchy, burning sensation and the need to rub your eyelids frequently, this could be due to blepharitis. This disorder affects the eyelids and is considered a form of chronic conjunctivitis. Doctors often refer to itchy eyes as blepharitis, which is defined as a dry, red eye that can be itchy. The symptoms can vary from one person to another depending on the severity of the condition. It occurs mostly at night and might worsen during air travel as air humidity dries out the mucous membrane in the eyelid, causing irritation.
You will experience itchy eyes due to inflammation of the eyelids and can be caused by several different things, including bacterial or viral infections and poor hygiene. Blepharitis usually causes itching on both eyes, but it can affect just one.
A gritty feeling in the eyes
A gritty feeling in the eyes, irritation, excessive tearing and a bad taste in your mouth may all be signs of blepharitis. You may feel like there’s something in your eye, even after washing and rubbing it out. This feeling can be caused by inflammation and debris (in the form of a crust or scurf) on the eyelid margin.
Most people with this symptom may feel like something is stuck in their eyes and is difficult to remove, like when getting sand or dirt in eyes on a windy day. This can also make it hard to wear contact lenses because they may prick you when they come into contact with the eyelids’ oil or discharge.
Flakes or crusts
While a few eyelid crusts are normal and part of the aging process, eye floaters that are more pronounced, accompanied by redness in the eye or eye discharge also may be a sign of blepharitis. This can occur in both eyelids and may be visible as scales on the outside of the lids as well as inside them. Blepharitis is also known as meibomianitis because it can cause clogging of your meibomian glands, tiny oil-producing glands that line the base of your eyelid. This may lead to increased exposure to bacteria and inflammation of the eyelashes.
Lid margins appear scaly and may have a clear, crusted discharge that distorts your vision. It is often accompanied by burning or stinging pain in your eyes that occurs when opening your eyes.
Eyelids sticking
Eyelids sticking together is a common symptom of blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids. It’s usually accompanied by other symptoms – including soreness, itching, redness and sometimes crusting on the eyelids. The eyelids will feel sticky and begin to stick together, due to the presence of mucous or pus in the eye. Redness or inflammation may also be present. The eyelids may stick together in the morning, causing the eyes to close partially or completely.
The stickiness is due to inflammation of the eyelids and production of excessive tears. The tears mix up with the debris (dead cells of the eye tissues) and bacteria. This causes tears to become thick and sticky.
Burning of the eyes is the most common sign. Other symptoms include itchiness, inflammation and redness of the eyelids, mucous discharge from the eyes and occasionally watering. In some cases, there may be pain in the eyes as well.
Burning of the eyes
People with blepharitis often experience burning of the eyes and may even have an itching sensation. They also may experience a feeling of dryness in the eye area, especially upon waking up in the morning. This can last throughout the day and worsen while you are awake due to excessive blinking. Poor blood circulation to the eyelids causes redness and burning of the eyes. Severe cases may result in a loss of eyelashes and if left untreated, this can cause styes (inflammation at base of an eyelash) as well as worsening vision loss.
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to light and discomfort or pain when exposed to bright lights may occur in blepharitis. Once keratin has been deposited in the meibomian gland ductal system, a blockage occurs that can cause this symptom of blepharitis. This happens when a small percentage of eyelashes curl into the outer edge of the eyelid and irritate the oil-producing glands. The resulting inflammation can make it hard for you to see outside because sunlight irritates your eyes. Eye irritation from chemicals, smoke and other irritants may also lead to frequent blinking and tearing, which can heighten sensitivity to light.