Who can get blepharitis?
Adults are affected more often than children. The condition may occur at an increased frequency within certain families and in children with Down’s syndrome. What are the types of blepharitis? To better understand this condition, think of the eyelid as being composed of two layers, one in front of the other. Each of these layers contains unique structures whose function may be affected by blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis is related to inflammation of the front layer of the eyelid. The symptoms usually are limited to ocular itching, burning and irritation. Although there are many possible causes of anterior blepharitis, it is most often related to bacterial infection or seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common problem affecting the scalp, eyebrows, face and eyelids in two-thirds of anterior blepharitis patients. It is the most common cause of blepharitis. This condition leads to oily secretions, eyelid swelling, scaling and flaking
