Blepharitis and Its Potential Side Effects
Blepharitis may result in a variety of complications. Included are painful, itchy, and searing eyes, as well as irritation of the eyelids, eyelashes, and surrounding skin. Eyelid malposition, eyelashes growing into the eye due to obstruction or inflammation, and permanent scarring at the root of the eyelashes can be complications of blepharitis. Moreover, if the inflammation is severe enough to cause fibrosis within the eyelids or around the eye, it can result in vision loss or even blindness. Examples of common complications: (8)
shedding of eyelashes
The loss of eyelashes is a common side effect of blepharitis. It is characterized by sparse, fragile, and easily-pulled-out eyelashes. If you have blepharitis for an extended period of time, your ordinarily short upper and lower lashes can become brittle and fall out. As the condition advances, the afflicted area may become bald.
Too many weeping
Epiphora, also known as excessive tearing, is a common complication of blepharitis. It occurs when the tear ducts are blocked internally or externally. Excessive weeping can result in thicker, frequently inflamed eyelid skin. Residue from accumulated tears obstructs the necessary airflow to the eye by clogging the tiny openings in the eyelid. This accumulation results in irritation and watery eyes, which can cause excessive conjunctivitis and heightened light sensitivity. Blepharitis can result in secondary complications such as conjunctivitis and infections of the cornea and eyelid margins.
Wet pupils
The development of dry eyes is the most significant complication of blepharitis. This condition can be caused by a tear film defect, which leads to inadequate lubrication of the ocular surface and injury to the eye’s surface.
They can also cause eyelid tissue to become red, swollen, and inflamed. The sensation of dryness is typically worse upon awakening or immediately after awakening. This can lead to complications such as conjunctivitis, corneal injury, and even blindness if left untreated.
Stye
A stye is a small, scarlet, swollen bump on the eyelid margin. Depending on the type of stye that develops, they may be red and distended or brown and crusted. When an organ located near an eyelash becomes infected, a common eye infection and complication of blepharitis occurs. Typically, a stye is red, swollen, and excruciating. It develops into a delicate bump on the eyelid.
They are typically caused by staphylococcus bacteria and result from the accumulation of sebum and bacteria at the base of an eyelash follicle. They can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks and typically resolve without treatment.
The Chalazion
A chalazion is a small, firm, harmless bump that forms near an eyelash follicle due to the accumulation of sticky fluid. It typically affects the outer surface of the upper or lower eyelid. These lumps may be red and uncomfortable to the touch. Untreated boils may also be filled with pus and begin to ooze after several days.
a wound on your cornea
Untreated blepharitis can cause lesions on the eyelid if left untreated. Scarring may appear as a white line or bump, or it may encompass the entire lid tissue. Eyelid fibrosis can result in drooping eyelids and wrinkled patches. Unfortunately, there are no treatments for this form of scarring, but you can avoid it by seeing a doctor immediately and receiving treatment.
Cornea irritation
The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye that aids in light focusing. In blepharitis, the oil-producing glands surrounding the eyelids become inflamed, resulting in a decrease in oil production and an increase in microorganisms on the eyelid surface. This can result in the formation of dense, hard crusts of dead skin, which can irritate the cornea or irritate or scratch the tear ducts.
The cornea is a highly sensitive tissue susceptible to inflammation, which can result in fibrosis and lens cloudiness. This type of corneal infection is one of the primary global causes of vision impairment.