Your eyelashes are lengthened hairs around your eyes that provide protection from pollen, dust and other debris. In certain circumstances, the structures associated with your eyelashes may become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as burning, itching and irritation. Common causes of eyelash inflammation include various forms of a condition called blepharitis.
Inflammation Basics
Blepharitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the eyelid tissue that contains your eyelash follicles, according to the Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. Depending on your particular circumstances, this inflammation may be acute---which means it occurs rapidly over a short period of time --- or chronic, which means it occurs over a long period of time or develops slowly. While acute forms of blepharitis commonly respond well to treatment, chronic forms of the disorder may linger long-term despite attempts at a cure.
Acute Blepharitis
In some cases, the presence of acute blepharitis triggers the formation of small ulcers inside or near your eyelash follicles, the Merck Manual reports. Typically, this form of the disorder stems from bacterial or viral infections of your follicles and associated structures called meibomian glands. Most bacterial sources of blepharitis come from members of the Staphylococcus family, while common viral agents include varicella zoster and herpes simplex. You can also develop nonulcerative forms of acute blepharitis as a result of allergic reactions such as contact sensitivity and a condition called atopic blepharodermatitis.
Chronic Blepharitis
Chronic blepharitis is not infectious and typically has no clear underlying cause, the Merck Manual explains. In some cases, this form of the disorder involves malfunctions in your meibomian glands, which normally produce substances that reduce the rate of tear evaporation in your eyes. In other cases, chronic blepharitis occurs in individuals who have seborrheic dermatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of skin that contains oil-producing sebaceous glands. You may also develop chronic blepharitis if you have a skin condition called rosacea.
Additional Causes
You can also develop eyelash inflammation if you have a type of infection called a hordeolum, or stye, Children's Hospital Boston reports. Styes occur when bacteria or other agents produce an infection in the sebaceous glands located in your eyelids. If your meibomian glands become blocked, you may also develop a small bump in your eyelid called a chalazion, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. In addition to swelling and eyelid tenderness, symptoms of a chalazion include increased tear production and unusual light sensitivity. Many individuals with chronic blepharitis have recurrent styes or chalazia, the Merck Manual notes.
Treatments
The Merck Manual lists potential treatments for acute ulcerative blepharitis that include antibiotic ointment and systemic antiviral medications such as famcyclovir and acyclovir. If you have acute nonulcerative blepharitis, potential treatments include avoiding rubbing your eyes and using warm compresses or topical corticosteroid medications. If you have chronic blepharitis, potential treatments include artificial tears, warm compresses, ointments and topical antibiotics. Potential treatments for a stye include warm compresses and antibiotic ointments. Potential treatments for a chalazion include warm compresses, antibiotic eye drops, steroid injections and surgery.
Member Comments