Blepharitis classification

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mehrsefat, M.D. [3]

Overview

Blepharitis may be classified according to the anatomic location of the disease into 2 subtypes: anterior and posterior. Additionally blepharitis may be classified based on the duration of symptoms into acute or chronic.

Classification

Based on the anatomic location, blepharitis may be classified into 2 subtypes: anterior and posterior

Anterior blepharitis affects the front of the eyelids near the base of the eyelashes, eyelid skin, and the eyelash follicles. Anterior blepharitis may be classified into:

• Staphylococcal blepharitis
• Seborrheic blepharitis

Posterior blepharitis affects the back of the eyelids. It involves tarsal plate, meibomian glands, and gland orifices.

Blepharitis,may be classified based on the duration of symptoms into:

• Chronic (Most often blepharitis is a waxing and waning chronic condition)
• Acute (usually allergen or irritant exposure)

Staphylococcal Blepharitis

Staphlycoccal blepharitis is a type of external eye inflammation. As with dandruff, it is usually asymptomatic until the disease progresses. As it progresses, the sufferer begins to notice a foreign body sensation, matting of the lashes, and burning. Usually, the primary care physician will prescribe topical antibiotics for staphylococcal blepharitis. Unfortunately this is not an effective treatment.

This ailment can sometimes lead to a chalazion or a stye.

Seborrheic Blepharitis

Seborrheic blepharitis, the most common type of blepharitis, is usually one part of the spectrum of seborrheic dermatitisseborrhea which involves the scalp, lashes, eyebrows, nasolabial folds and ears.

Posterior Blepharitis or Rosacea Associated Blepharitis

The most common type of blepharitis is often found in people with a rosacea skin type. The oil glands in the lid (meibomian glands) secrete a modified oil which leads to inflammation at the gland openings which are found at the edge of the lid. such as rosacea, atopy, and seborrheic dermatitis, as well as ocular diseases, such as dry eye syndromes, chalazion, trichiasis, conjunctivitis, and keratitis.