The term blepharitis indicates eyelids inflammation medically. The areas where the hair follicles of the eyelids are located develop swelling due to the malfunction in the oil glands of the eyelids. “Blepharos” means eyelid in Greek and hence inflammation developed on the eyelids is called blepharitis. During the process of inflammation, normally white blood cells are produced in excess to protect the body from foreign particles as a result of injury or infection. This results in inflammation which may cause warmth, redness, pain and swelling. The eyes become irritated and itchy with the formation of scales or dandruff on the eyelash. However blepharitis does not spread from one person to another.
Causes :
The major cause of eyelid inflammation is due to the excess of secretion from oil glands present in the eyelids. You can find about 40 oil glands totally in upper and lower eyelids and due to malfunction, they started secreting more of oily substance which in turn affect the margins of eyelids casing irritation and swelling.
It is also caused due acne rosacea which is one of the common skin disorder affecting millions of people. Sometimes the outer edges are affected or the skin surrounding the corners of the eyelids gets affected with the oil secretion.
Any disorder or malfunction of the eyelid margin may also cause blepharitis. Seborrheic blepharitis is the term given when the eyelids get infected by bacteria Staphylococcus.
Allergic reaction can also cause blepharitis. Change in eye-cosmetics is also another reason for swelling of eyelids. Contact lens and new type of mascara can also cause this condition. Sometimes airborne allergy, environmental pollution, pet allergies and spray can also cause blepharitis. Underlying medical illness like skin cancer may also produce inflammation on the eyelids. People who get repeated sty infection and chalazia may also suffer from blepharitis.