Blepharitis and Its Potential Complications
Blepharitis can cause a host of complications. These include painful, itching and burning eyes and irritation of the eyelids, eyelashes and surrounding skin. Complications from blepharitis can include eyelid malposition, eyelashes growing into the eye as a result of obstruction or inflammation, and permanent scarring at the base of the eyelashes. In addition, if the inflammation is severe enough to cause scarring inside your eyelids or around the eye it can lead to complications like reduced vision or even blindness. Common complications include; (8)
Loss of eyelashes
Loss of eyelashes is a common complication for people with blepharitis. It’s characterized by sparse, thin lashes that are more easily pulled out. If you have a long-term blepharitis problem, the normally short upper and lower lashes can become brittle and break off. As the condition progresses, the affected area may eventually become bald.
Excess tears
Excessive tearing, known as epiphora, is a common complication of blepharitis. It occurs when the tear ducts are obstructed from the inside or outside. Excess tears can lead to thicker eyelid skin, which often becomes inflamed. Residue from accumulated tears clogs the small openings in the eyelid, preventing needed air flow to the eye. This buildup leads to irritation and teary eyes, which can cause excessive redness and increased sensitivity to light. Excessive tearing or inflammation of the meibomian glands in the eyelids (blepharitis) can lead to secondary complications such as conjunctivitis and infections of the cornea and eyelid margins.
Dry eyes
The main complication of blepharitis is the development of dry eyes. This condition can be caused by an impaired tear film that results in inadequate lubrication of the ocular surface and damage to the surface of the eye.
They can also cause redness, swelling and inflammation of the eyelid tissue. The dry feeling is usually worse upon awakening or immediately after waking up. If left untreated, this can lead to complications such as conjunctivitis, corneal damage and even blindness.
Stye
A stye is a small, swollen, red bump on the edge of an eyelid. They can be red and swollen, or brown and crusted over, depending on the type of stye that forms. It is a common eye infection and complication of blepharitis that occurs when a gland located near an eyelash becomes infected. A stye is usually red, swollen, and painful. It forms a tender lump on the eyelid.
They are usually caused by the staphylococcus bacteria and form when oil and bacteria build up at the base of an eyelash follicle. They can last from several days to two weeks and often go away without treatment.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a small, firm, painless bump near a lash follicle that builds up with sticky fluid. It usually occurs on the outside of the upper or lower eyelid. These bumps may be red and painful to touch. They may also be filled with pus and start leaking after going several days untreated.
Scarring on your eyelid
If your blepharitis is left untreated, it can result in scarring on your eyelid. The scarring may look like a white line or bump or it can completely cover over the lid tissue. Eyelid scarring can cause you to have a droopy eyelid or patchy wrinkles. Sadly, there are no remedies for this type of scarring, but you can avoid it by seeing a doctor and getting treated quickly.
Cornea inflammation
The cornea is the transparent outer covering of the eye that helps to focus light. In blepharitis, the oil-producing glands around your eyelids become inflamed, causing reduced oil production and an increase in bacteria on the surface of your eyelids. This can lead to thickened, hard crusts of dead skin that can irritate the cornea or irritate or scratch tear ducts.
The cornea is a highly sensitive tissue that is prone to inflammation, which can cause scarring and cloudiness of the lens. This form of corneal infection is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide.