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Blepharitis - Making a diagnosis
History
The diagnosis of blepharitis is suggested by:
- Characteristic symptoms:
- Eyelids burn, itch, and stick together.
- Symptoms are worse in the mornings.
- Both eyes are affected.
- Symptoms are often intermittent, with exacerbations and remissions occurring over long periods.
- The presence of conditions that can cause blepharitis:
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis — symptoms include oily skin and dandruff. See the CKS topic on Seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Rosacea — symptoms include intermittent, prolonged facial flushing, and persistent central facial redness, with or without telangiectasia. See the CKS topic on Rosacea.
- The presence of dry eye syndrome:
- Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include dry, gritty eyes; blurred vision; tearing; and poor tolerance of contact lenses. See the CKS topic on Dry eye syndrome.
[Miller et al, 2005]
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