Dr. Cecilia Rodríguez Luna is an ophthalmologist, specialist in eyelid, orbit and tear surgery in Las Palmas and Tenerife.
In this video interview for CanaryDoctor, he talks about Blepharitis. Discover: what it is, its causes, how it can be controlled, what the treatment consists of, among other interesting questions.
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a eyelid edge inflammation It affects the upper and lower eyelid.
There are two types: the previous which is the one that is closest to the eyelashes; and the posterior which is closer to the eyeball and mainly affects the glands of this area.
What are your causes?
The main causes of blepharitis are usually the excessive growth of the bacteria that are around the eyelid. This creates an imbalance and chronic inflammation.
In some cases it is also associated with patients who have allergies, some type of seborrheic dermatitis o atopic, etc.
It can be avoided?
It can control but not avoid. They are types of disorders that have a little to do with the secretion of the glands of each patient, with their hormonal status, their skin type ... They are usually chronic, so it can not be avoided but can be controlled (to be asymptomatic and improve eye health).
How is this eye disease treated?
Depends. If it is an anterior blepharitis, it is usually performed hygiene treatment. When it is posterior blepharitis, in addition to hygiene it is important Do massage and take care of the area. With this we seek that the glands have a good functional state, are not clogged and we can prevent other diseases such as styes.
Can it be cured definitively?
It does not heal permanently, but is controlled. Most patients who come to the office have blepharitis, they don't know it and they are asymptomatic. When you have symptoms, it is because you have spent time with blepharitis and that blepharitis is more severe.
Why should you go to the ophthalmologist if you have this problem?
It is important that the patient go to the ophthalmologist, because many times this pathology is asymptomatic and that is when you have to start treating it to prevent complications.
Untreated blepharitis causes small changes in the periocular area, such as lacrimal stenosis or tear problems; complications that are seen only with time.
Also important blepharitis are usually associated with refractive errors; such as in a person who needs glasses and doesn't know it. Also, have a major blepharitis may favor the appearance of styes and changes in the periocular area.
Many of the patients who have blepharitis also usually have eye dryness quite important and if one does not treat the underlying problem, that dry eye will not improve.