What Causes Blepharitis?
The main cause of blepharitis is chronic inflammation caused by blockage of the meibomian glands, which are glands that produce oil for your eyelashes. It is thought to be a result of an eye infection or poor eyelid hygiene. The specific causes of blepharitis are unknown. There are many factors that may predispose to the development of this condition. The most common causes of blepharitis include the infection, poor hygiene, scratches from contact lens wear, or eyelid infections from dirt, lint or dander. (3)
Bacterial infection
Bacterial infection is one of the causes of blepharitis. Bacterial infection or stye infections may be caused by bacteria that grow and multiply in the tiny oil glands of the eyelashes. This eye infection can be caused by an organism known as Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Other than staph, the most common culprits are Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium species.
The glands may become clogged and infected, causing an infected hair follicle. This can cause redness, swelling and pain in one eye. These conditions are easily treated but they can recur in susceptible patients.
A blocked oil gland on your eyelid
A blocked oil gland on your eyelid is the most common cause of blepharitis. The eye’s natural tear film – a protective layer made up of oil, water and antibodies – flows over your eye to keep it moist and healthy. But when tears aren’t flowing properly on the lower part of your eyelid, inflammation and infection can occur.
Blocked oil glands on your eyelid, also called meibomian gland dysfunction, can cause dryness and inflammation that causes blurry vision, stinging, burning or itchy eyes. Blocked oil glands can occur when the lining of the eyelid doesn’t produce enough oil to keep your eyelashes soft and healthy.
Common causes of blockage are:
- Allergies
- Hormonal changes associated with adolescence
- Skin conditions, such as rosacea or acne
- Eyelash mites or lice
- Medications that increase bacteria on the eyelids, including isotretinoin for acne
- Some contact lens solutions
- Eye makeup
Hormone problems
While the exact cause of blepharitis is unknown, experts believe it might be due to imbalance in hormones. They may include thyroid disease, diabetes, and pregnancy, and menopause. Hormones affect the glands of the face (skin on, under and around your eyes). When hormones are not at the right level, your glands become enlarged or swollen.
The chemical messengers that control your hormones can cause blepharitis. For example, high levels of estrogen, a hormone produced by females during the menstrual cycle and by pregnant women, may stimulate oil glands to make more oil. As a result, sebaceous glands may enlarge and become inflamed.
Hormonal imbalance tends to affect both men and women between the ages of 30-60. When you are older than 60, it is normal for your eyelids to get dry due to old age, but if you notice that this condition is persistent and recurring, it means that your hormonal balance has been disrupted. By supplementing the missing hormone or adjusting your hormone levels, you could heal your blepharitis.
Allergies
Allergies (including allergies to pollen, pet dander, dust mites and other irritants) are a common cause of blepharitis and can make the condition difficult to treat. Your allergen may be coming from your family, pets and/or work environment.
Allergy symptoms include itching and swelling of the eyelids, eyes that water or burn, light sensitivity, and a watery discharge from the eye as well as crusting and scaling around the edge of the eyelid. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and you suspect that an allergen may be the culprit, visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.
Viral infection
A number of viruses are known to cause blepharitis, the most common being the herpes simplex virus – that causes herpetic blepharitis. This infection results in the appearance of white or yellow crusts and follicles that develop on the lid margins, lids and lashes. The inflammation associated with the viral infection causes swelling, discharge and bumps on the eyelids. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and it increases the chances of super infection caused by a bacteria. In most viral infection cases, the infection will resolve itself by itself within a few weeks.
Mites
They are tiny organisms that live in the eyelash follicles. These mites feed on the oils and skin cells of your eyelashes, causing them to become inflamed and appear red and swollen. They can spread to your eyebrows, causing a condition called Blepharitis. The inflammation leads to gland discharges, crusting, and other symptoms that can lead to further complications.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a common, but embarrassing condition that causes your eyebrows to erupt in white or yellowish flaky skin. This can occur at any age, but it is more common in adolescents and young adults. Seborrhea (sebaceous gland secretion) and redness are the main signs of dandruff. However, dandruff is not actually a disease, but rather a common problem that occurs when normal hair growth and oil production get out of balance.
The signs of dandruff-induced blepharitis include a visible “white film” on the scalp and scalp itchiness. This condition can be treated with shampoos containing coal tar, selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione.
Eczema
Eczema is a condition that causes irritation, inflammation, and formation of red, scaly patches of the upper layer of skin (the epidermis). It mostly affects people of all ages, but may be more common in babies, children, and pregnant women.
It can also occur in the lining of your eyelids (blepharitis) – causing symptoms like itching, burning and redness. It is a long-term eyelid condition that causes your body to produce excess skin cells. These skin cells are not shed properly, so they form dead skin cells that clog the surface of your skin and cause thick white or yellow scales. It can also cause red, itchy patches on your eyelids that are prone to infection if they’re not kept clean and dry.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common condition that causes your face to become red and bumpy. It is caused by a buildup of oil on your skin, which happens when you have too many bacteria on your face. Rosacea also causes blood vessels just under the skin to enlarge and become visible – which makes the face appear red, puffy and sensitive to temperature changes. Facial flushing, burning or stinging are the main symptoms. Symptoms related to the eyes include redness of the eyelids (blepharitis), persistent burning, and stinging and swelling of the eyelids – accompanied by irritation and discomfort to light.
There are many causes of this condition, including lifestyle choices, genetics, and the environment of your skin. Despite its name, rosacea can affect anyone, but it’s most common in people with fair skin and light eye color. Rosacea has no cure, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms