Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the eyelids, particularly the eyelid margins. It’s characterized by eyelid swelling, redness, and crustiness.

Causes –

1. Bacterial overgrowth: Staphylococcus aureus, Demodex mites, and other bacteria can contribute to blepharitis.
2. Meibomian gland dysfunction: Abnormalities in the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of the tear film, can lead to blepharitis.
3. Dry eye syndrome: Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality can contribute to blepharitis.
4. Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can trigger blepharitis.
5. Skin conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, or eczema, can increase the risk of developing blepharitis.

Symptoms –

1. Redness and swelling: Eyelid margins become red, swollen, and inflamed.
2. Crustiness and scaly eyelids: Eyelids may develop a crusty or scaly texture, especially in the morning.
3. Itching and burning: Eyelids may feel itchy, burning, or gritty.
4. Eye dryness: can contribute to dry eye syndrome.
5. Blurred vision: In severe cases, it can cause blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
6. Eyelid sticking: Eyelids may stick together, especially in the morning.
7. Discharge or pus: In severe cases, it can cause a yellow or green discharge or pus to form on the eyelids.

Homoeopathic Therapeutics –

1. Graphites –

• Blepharitis of whole margin of eyelids. Oedematous swelling of eyelid margin.
• Burning of eyelids as from acid aggravated in morning; evening; candle light; reading in evening; open air; during work.
• Intense photophobia aggravated in artificial light; after coition; daylight; gaslight; during perspiration; sunlight.
• Thermally chilly. Blepharitis of left eye.
• Profuse lachrymation < open air, from sunlight, in damp weather.
• Generally < at night; becoming cold; hunger; warm room ; hunger.
• Generally > darkness; eructation; becoming warm.

2. Hepar Sulphuris calcareum

• Blepharitis of right eye. Purple coloured swelling of eyelid margins.
• Foreign body sensation in eyes. Crusts on eyelids.
• Burning in eyelids < in daytime ; morning; during headache.
• Profuse lachrymation < during night.
• Thermally chilly. Thirsty. Redness of margins of upper eyelids.
• Generally < night; open air; cold; during sleep; slight touch ; uncovering head
• Generally > covering even in warm room; lying in bed; warmth; wet weather.

3. Argentum nitricum –

• Blepharitis of left eye. Redness of margins of eyelids. Crusts on eyelids.
• Burning in eyelid < in morning, on waking.
• Oedematous swelling of eyelids < by suppressed menses.
• Profuse lachrymation < when swallowing.
• Photophobia < in artificial light; after straining the eyes; in warm room.
• Thermally Hot. Thirsty. Sweets disagrees.
• Generally > eructation; walking in open air.
• Generally < at night; warmth; during menses.

4. Staphysagria –

• Itching of upper eyelid margins > by rubbing.
• Blepharitis of left eye. Swelling and burning of eyelids.
• Foreign body sensation behind the eyelids.
• Marked photophobia. Profuse lachrymation < in morning; in open air; from sunlight.
• Thermally chilly. Thirstless. Desires – alcohol, whisky, meat, stimulants.
• Generally < bending backward; physical exertion; touch; 3pm.
• Generally > by passing flatus.

5. Petroleum –

• Swelling of upper eyelids. Itching of lower eyelids.
• Burning of eyelids as from smoke < on exertion of vision; during heat; while reading.
• Profuse lachrymation < during open air. Redness of eyelids.
• Photophobia < in artificial light; daylight; sunlight.
• Thermally chilly. Desires – beer; whisky; delicacies.
• Generally < in morning; evening; draft of air; cold wet weather; rising up.
• Generally > in daytime; hanging down limbs; rest; summer season; warmth.

6. Euphrasia –

• Itching of margins of eyelids. Blepharitis of left eye.
• Swelling of lower eyelid margins. Redness of margins of eyelids.
• Foreign body sensation in eyes.
• Profuse lachrymation < in daytime; cold air: lying down.
• Photophobia < in evening; artificial light; daylight; light of fire; sunlight.
• Thermally Hot. Thirsty. Desires – sweets. Aversion – tobacco
• Generally < in morning; standing; sun exposure; walking in open air; windy weather.
• Generally > by washing of affected part; darkness.

Worked By – Dr. Nazia Ansari (BHMS)