Is there a possible association between alopecia and chronic conjunctivitis?
Redness of the eye may be the result of chronic irritation rather than infection. Lack of eyelashes prevents the filtering effect of dust settling on your eyes. Eyelashes are seemingly beneficial in filtering the sun’s glare. If this is the cause of the irritation, wear sunglasses. A few of my patients have had chronic conjunctivits but I am not sure that this is enough for an association. In the cases that I have seen a diagnosis of seborrhea has been made. When it affects the eyes it usually starts in the eyelids producing irritation, burning and itching. The eyes are “red-rimmed” and you can easily observe a yellowish crust along the lid margin and around the lashes. The irritation soon spreads to the conjunctiva due to the presence of some yellowish crusts. If this is the case, scales can be removed on a daily basis with a cotton applicator and baby shampoo. If it persists an ophthalmologist can prescribe topical medications like Blephamide. Seborrheic blepharitis and chronic conju
