Blepharitis

From Wiki4CAM

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid, due to overgrowth of the bacteria that is normally found on the skin. Commonly it occurs when there is a malfunction of small oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes. It is usually a chronic condition, but does not cause any permanent damage to the eyesight. ^{[1] [2]}

Contents 1 Causes 2 Types of blepharitis 3 Signs and Symptoms 4 CAM therapies for blepharitis 4.1 Acupuncture 4.2 Ayurveda and herbal remedies 4.3 Homeopathy 5 References

Causes

Causes of blepharitis include seborrheic dermatitis, bacterial infection, allergies, eyelash infestation with lice and excess oil production in the glands near the eyelid (which creates an environment to overgrow the normal bacteria found on the skin. Risk factors are seborrheic dermatitis of the face or scalp, rosacea, lice, and allergies.

Types of blepharitis

There are two types of blepharitis: anterior and posterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis affects the outside front of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. The two most common causes of anterior blepharitis are bacteria usually Staphylococcus, and scalp dandruff. Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid - the moist part that makes contact with the eye - and is caused by problems with the oil glands, called meibomian glands, in this part of the eyelid. Two skin disorders can cause this form of blepharitis: acne rosacea, which leads to red and inflamed skin, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of blepharitis include watery or red eyes, gritty and burning sensation in the eye, itchy eyelids, blurred vision, flaking of the skin around the eyes, crusted eyelashes upon awakening, sensitivity to light, frothy tears, red and swollen eyelids, abnormal growth of eyelashes and loss of eyelashes. The eyelids usually appear greasy. It may also crusted with scales that cling to the lashes. It would cause the eyelids to stick together at night.

CAM therapies for blepharitis

Acupuncture

Ayurveda and herbal remedies

Calendula, eyebright, chamomile and comfrey are few of the herbs traditionally used for inflammation of eye. Any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile. Goldenseal and Oregon grape contain the antibacterial constituent known as berberine. Topical use of berberine in eye drops has been clinically studied for eye infections. ^[3]

Homeopathy

References

1. ↑ MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Blepharitis
2. ↑ MayoClinic.Com-Eye-Blepharitis
3. ↑ Babbar OP, Chatwal VK, Ray IB, et al. Effect of berberine chloride eye drops on clinically positive trachoma patients. Ind J Med Res 1982;76:83-8