Other dermatological manifestations of vitamin A deficiency include blepharitis [16], noted in our first patient, and cheilitis.
These include processed or fried foods, sugar, white flour and fizzy drinks tends to aggravate the condition. I have also found that a varied diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and high intake of natural Omega-3 containing foods helps reduce flare-ups.
What causes blepharitis? Most of the time, blepharitis happens because you have too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes. Having bacteria on your skin is normal, but too much bacteria can cause problems. You can also get blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or irritated.
You can't cure blepharitis. However, it can be treated and controlled through proper eyelid hygiene. Left untreated, blepharitis may lead to other more serious eye conditions, including corneal problems, which may be significant.
Blepharitis tends to be worse in cold windy weather, air-conditioned environments, prolonged computer usage, sleep deprivation, contact lens wear, and with general dehydration. It also tends to be worse in the presence of active skin disease e.g. acne rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Blepharitis can be part of the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis or a highly reactive form of acne known as rosacea. A combination of blepharitis and dry mouth may indicate an autoimmune condition known as Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome.
Although the etiology of blepharitis is multitudinal, individuals who are predisposed can be triggered by certain factors such as stress. Stress behaviors are important to recognize; one may have difficulty concentrating, revert to bad habits, and fall into unhealthy eating habits.
Viral blepharitis
When blepharitis is caused by a virus, it's often herpes simplex or varicella zoster that's at fault, although molluscum contagiosum can also cause blepharitis. These viruses can cause blistering on the eyelids, and are treated with antiviral medication.
There's no direct link between coffee and blepharitis, although hot drinks, including coffee, can trigger flare-ups of rosacea, a skin condition that raises the risk of blepharitis.
We sometimes recommend special nutritional supplements containing certain essential fatty acids to decrease dry eye symptoms. Drinking more water may also relieve symptoms.
LipiFlow is the “gold standard” for treating meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, ocular rosacea and dry eye.
Black Tea. Applying a heated black tea bag on your inflamed eyelids can help calm blepharitis. Black tea has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
As with many health conditions, blepharitis can be intensified by stress and anxiety, especially those patients with compromised immune systems. New research also indicates that patients with hormonal imbalance, as well as allergies, are also highly susceptible to this condition.
Beyond causing patient discomfort, the presence of blepharitis can affect the outcomes of cataract and refractive surgery. And, as the prevalence of blepharitis increases with age, clinicians can expect to see a growing number of cases in the coming years.
When the glands of the eyelids start producing abnormal oil, called meibomian gland dysfunction, it can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, which can cause posterior blepharitis. Hormonal causes are suspected to contribute to this type of blepharitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis — dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows. Infection. Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelids. Rosacea — a skin condition characterized by facial redness.
Blepharitis can be confused with other conditions such as ocular rosacea, episcleritis, herpetic keratitis, or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Keep your eyes as clean as possible. Make sure you remove all eye makeup before you go to sleep. Don't use eyeliner on the back edges of your eyelids behind the eyelashes. If you are already suffering from blepharitis, avoid using makeup until it has completely cleared.
The recommended regime is four times a day for two weeks, then twice a day for a month, and twice a week after that. If you are using a simple hot compress with a face flannel then warm saltwater soaks are preferred as this is more isotonic and thus more comfortable and less likely to wrinkle the eyelid skin.
In many cases, regular washing of your eyelids, eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair can control blepharitis. To wash your eyelids: Put a few drops of baby shampoo in a cup of water, and dip a cotton ball, cotton swab, or washcloth in the liquid. With your eyes closed, gently wipe across each eyelid about 10 times.
Sugar and eye inflammation
Yes, really. Blepharitis can be linked to your diet, according to Marchetti, and this is all about inflammation and balancing the gut. 'Too much sugar, such as from processed or manufactured foods, can upset our gut and cause inflammation,' she says.