The CMGs offer information on the diagnosis and management of a range of conditions that present with varying frequency in primary and first contact care.
The CMGs offer information on the diagnosis and management of a range of conditions that present with varying frequency in primary and first contact care.
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, and one of the most common presentations in primary eye care. It can cause ocular discomfort, soreness, itching and symptoms of dry eye, but most cases can be managed with long-term eyelid hygiene measures. This Clinical Management Guideline outlines the aetiology, signs, symptoms and evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating blepharitis. This includes non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options and when referral may be appropriate.
Login to read further information on the diagnosis and management of blepharitis.
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a condition in which chronic (i.e. long-term) inflammation of the eyelid margins causes symptoms of eye irritation. Sometimes there are no symptoms. There are two types of blepharitis, which sometimes occur together:
Anterior blepharitis, which affects the outside front edge of the eyelids (near or among the roots of the eyelashes)
Posterior blepharitis, which is also called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), results when the condition affects the inside rims of the eyelids (just behind the eyelashes) which contain the meibomian glands. (The meibomian glands produce a thin layer of oil which normally prevents the tears from evaporating too quickly; if they are inflamed, this mechanism does not work properly)
Blepharitis is usually caused by the bacteria that live on the skin, but sometimes by mites (Demodex) which live in the glands of the eyelids.
How is blepharitis managed?
Lid hygiene, using lid cleansing measures, reduces symptoms for the majority of patients with either anterior or posterior blepharitis. Antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointments (and in some cases antibiotics taken by mouth) can potentially lessen symptoms and are effective in clearing bacteria from the eyelid margins. However, there is no strong evidence that any of these treatments can completely cure the condition and continuous ongoing treatment may be necessary.
