Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

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Blepharitis & MGD: Overview - Lid Edge Lowdown

  • Blepharitis: Chronic inflammation of eyelid margins.
    • Anterior: Involves skin, eyelashes; often Staphylococcal or seborrhoeic.
    • Posterior: Involves Meibomian gland orifices; linked to MGD.
  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Altered Meibomian gland secretion/obstruction, leading to tear film instability.
    • Key cause of evaporative dry eye.

Eyelid margin anatomy showing anterior and posterior sites

⭐ Posterior blepharitis is nearly synonymous with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

Anterior Blepharitis - Frontline Inflammation

Anterior blepharitis with collarettes and scales

  • Inflammation at eyelash base. Two main types:
    • Staphylococcal:
      • Hard scales, collarettes (fibrin crusts around lash base).
      • Madarosis (lash loss), trichiasis (misdirected lashes), recurrent hordeolum.
      • Often younger patients; more symptomatic.
    • Seborrheic:
      • Greasy, soft scales on lashes & lid margin; foamy tears.
      • Less inflammation; associated with seborrheic dermatitis (scalp/face).
      • Lashes often matted.

Collarettes are pathognomonic for Staphylococcal anterior blepharitis.

Posterior Blepharitis & MGD - Gland Gridlock

  • Central: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
  • Pathophysiology:
    • Altered meibum: ↑viscosity, ↑melting point.
    • Bacterial lipases → inflammatory free fatty acids.
    • Results in: Gland obstruction, inspissation, dilation.
  • Key Signs:
    • Lid margin: Telangiectasias, hyperemia.
    • Glands: Capped/pouting orifices; thick, "toothpaste" secretions; gland dropout.
    • Tear film: ↓TBUT, frothy.
  • Symptoms: Burning, foreign body sensation (FBS), blurred vision.
  • Associated with: Acne rosacea.

⭐ MGD is the most common cause of evaporative dry eye disease.

Blepharitis: Complications - Lid's Angry Aftermath

  • Lid Margin:
    • Madarosis (loss of lashes)
    • Trichiasis (misdirected lashes)
    • Poliosis (white lashes)
    • Tylosis (lid margin thickening)
    • Lid ulceration, scarring
  • Glandular:
    • Hordeolum (stye) - acute
    • Chalazion - chronic granuloma
  • Conjunctival/Corneal:
    • Chronic conjunctivitis
    • Dry eye syndrome (secondary to MGD)
    • Marginal keratitis (sterile infiltrates)
    • Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis
    • Corneal neovascularization, pannus

Blepharitis and MGD: Anatomy and Demodex Mites

⭐ Recurrent chalazia, especially in the same location, warrant biopsy to rule out sebaceous gland carcinoma.

  • Tear Film Instability: Common due to altered meibum quality/quantity in MGD.
  • Contact Lens Intolerance

Blepharitis: Dx & Management - Clearing the View

  • Dx (Clinical):
    • Anterior: Lid margin redness, scurf, collarettes.
    • Posterior (MGD): Inspissated glands, frothy tears, telangiectasia.
  • Management:
    • Core: Lid hygiene (warm compresses, scrubs).
    • Medical: Topical antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin), oral tetracyclines (MGD), short-course steroids. Artificial tears.

⭐ Chronic blepharitis can lead to madarosis (loss of eyelashes).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Blepharitis is chronic eyelid margin inflammation. Anterior involves lash base (Staphylococcal, Seborrheic); Posterior is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
  • Staphylococcal blepharitis: Hard, collarette scales, madarosis, trichiasis. Seborrheic type: Greasy scales.
  • MGD: Blocked meibomian glands cause inspissated secretions, frothy tears, lid margin telangiectasia; linked with rosacea.
  • Cornerstone of all types: Lid hygiene (warm compresses, lid scrubs).
  • Medical treatment: Topical antibiotics for anterior; oral doxycycline for MGD.
  • Complications: Recurrent chalazia/hordeola, dry eye syndrome, marginal keratitis.

Practice Questions: Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

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Flashcards: Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

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Anterior blepharitis is most commonly caused by _____

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Anterior blepharitis is most commonly caused by _____

staphylococcus

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