Blepharitis

opthalmology eyes bletharitis Dr Justin Lim Professor Yoland Lim Dr Selina Lim Eastern Wisdom skin

Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, usually Staphylococcus[1]. However, in some individuals blepharitis may arise due to skin conditions such as dandruff on the scalp or rosacea. 


Inflammation is typically found at the base of the eyelashes or in the glands of the eyelids. Common symptoms consist of:

  • itchiness
  • watery eyes
  • burning sensation in the eyes
  • enhanced sensitivity to light
  • crusty or sticky eyelashes
  • feeling that something is in your eye, and 
  • redness on the eyelids.

When treating blepharitis, it is vital to ensure eyelid hygiene is maintained.
 

Common strategies to ensure eyelid hygiene typically involve three steps[2]:

1. Softening of the crusts around the eyelid and eyelashes using a warm face towel

2. Massaging the eyelid towards the lashes using either your pinky finger or a cotton bud

3. Cleaning the upper and lower eyelid edge with a cotton bud and baby shampoo

Treatments include ‘artificial tear’ eye drops/gels and antibiotic ointments and or tablets[3]. 


Additionally, it is important to cease using eye makeup such as eye-shadow and eyeliner during treatment. If you are experiencing any changes to vision, or your eye do not seem to be ok, you must seek the assistance of you GP or ophthalmologist.

    

References:

[1] Health Direct (2018, January) Blepharitis healthdirect.gov.au/blepharitis

[2] Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service. Fact sheet: Blepharitis childrens.health.qld.gov.au/fact-sheet-blepharitis/

[3] Better Health Channel (2015, April) Dry eye betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dry-eye#lp-h-5

Conjunctivitis

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Conjunctivitis or pink eye is a highly contagious eye condition that affects everyone but predominantly children under the age of five[1]. This is where the sclera (the white part of the eye) becomes pink due to inflammation[2]. 


Conjunctivitis is spread through two ways: 

1. Direct contact with eye secretions or 

2. Indirectly by contact with towels, handkerchiefs or any other objects contaminated[3].


Common symptoms include:

  • eye irritation and redness
  • discharge with pus swelling of the eyelids, 
  • excessive tears in the eye, and photophobia (sensitivity to light)[4]


As conjunctivitis can be caused by virus or by bacteria, treatment varies with bacterial infections requiring antibiotic eye drops or ointments. However, regardless of the cause, people with conjunctivitis should wash their hands regularly and avoid touching the eyes[2]. This will ensure not only a speedy recovery but also prevent spreading of the virus or bacteria. 


References:

[1] The Royal Children’s Hospital (2018, February) Conjunctivitis.  rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/conjunctivitis/

[2] Health Direct (2017, November) Conjunctivitis (pink eye). healthdirect.gov.au/conjunctivitis

[3] Government of South Australia – SA Health. Conjunctivitis – including symptoms, treatment and prevention. sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+conditions+prevention+and+treatment/infectious+diseases/conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis+-+including+symptoms+treatment+and+prevention

[4] Better Health Channel (2016, June) Conjunctivitis. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/Conjunctivitis

Dry eyes

Dry eyes  stinging or scratchy sensation  mucus  redness  eye fatigue, and  blurred vision

Dry eyes is a common condition caused when there is a low level of production of tears (lubricating the eye). Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:

  • stinging or scratchy sensation 
  • mucus
  • redness
  • eye fatigue, and 
  • blurred vision[1]. 


Factors and conditions which can cause or contribute to dry eye include infrequent or incomplete blinking, arthritis, climate conditions, medications, trauma to the eye and irritants in the air (including smoke, dust and chemical exposure)[2]. 


Although there is no cure for dry eye, there are effective management strategies to increase tear production and prevent the loss of excess tears. These include gentle eye massages, medication to increase tear production, adding artificial tears and warm compresses to the eye[3]. To reduce the symptoms of dry eyes, health care professionals suggest blinking regularly, wearing sunglasses outdoors, increasing the humidity in the air and drinking plenty of water each day[4].

 

References:   

[1] healthdirect.gov.au/dry-eye-syndrome

[2] Better Health Channel (2015, April). Dry eye. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dry-eye

[3] Harvard Health Blog (2017, February). The fix for dry eyes. health.harvard.edu/blog/the-fix-for-dry-eyes-2017021011090

[4] American Optometric Association. Dry Eye. aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye