Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids, caused by irritation of the eyelid lining and clogging of the oil glands in the eyelid. A chalazion, also known as a meibomian cyst, is a red bump on the eyelid. 

What is blepharitis?

Definition:

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids, caused by irritation of the eyelid lining and clogging of the oil glands in the eyelid.

Causes:

Blepharitis is caused mainly by meibomian gland dysfunction, which is the oil-producing gland for tears. Acne rosacea, allergies, seborrheic dermatitis, dry eyes, and mites in eyelashes are the most common causes of blepharitis.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of blepharitis are swollen edematous, greasy eyelids, red eyes that are itchy, dry eyes, crusted eyelashes, sticky eyes, repetitive blinking, photophobia, flaky skin around the eyelids, blurring of vision and eyelashes growing towards the eyes (trichiasis).

Risk factors:

Risk factors for developing blepharitis are diabetes, chronic exposure to dust, living in dry weather, wearing contact lenses frequently, having oily skin, not removing makeup thoroughly, menopausal women, and those on cancer therapy. 

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of blepharitis is made after taking a just, doing an external eyelid examination, and taking a culture of eye discharge. A tear test can be done to identify dry eyes. An eyelash exam under the microscope is done to detect mites. Only rarely an eyelid biopsy is taken if skin cancer is suspected. 

Treatment:

At-home measures to reduce blepharitis include avoiding eye makeup, using warm compresses to clean the eyelid, and using lid scrubs to reduce dandruff on the lashes. A healthcare provider will identify the cause of blepharitis and may prescribe antibiotics ointments like erythromycin, or bacitracin in case of bacterial infections and steroid eye drops or cream in case of inflammatory causes.

What is a chalazion?

Definition:

A chalazion, also known as a meibomian cyst, is a red bump on the eyelid. 

Causes:

A chalazion is caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. Other causes of chalazion formation are acne rosacea, chronic blepharitis, seborrheic dermatitis, tuberculosis, and viral infections.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of chalazion are non-tender, bump usually on the upper eyelid, mild irritation on the eyelid, watery eyes, and blurring of vision in case of a massive chalazion.

Diagnosis:

A healthcare professional will diagnose a chalazion after taking a medical history and doing an external eye exam. He will do an eyelid exam to look at the oil gland openings in the eyelid lining. 

Treatment:

Chalazion mostly resolves in a month or less with home treatment. The use of warm compresses, gentle massages on the eyelids, and avoiding the use of eye makeup can help reduce the swelling promptly. In case the chalazion does not go away, a small incision is made by the eye specialist to drain the accumulating fluid. 

Difference between Blepharitis and Chalazion

Definition:

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids, caused by irritation of the eyelid lining and clogging of the oil glands in the eyelid. A chalazion, also known as a meibomian cyst, is a red bump on the eyelid. 

Causes:

Blepharitis is caused mainly by meibomian gland dysfunction, which is the oil-producing gland for tears. Acne rosacea, allergies, seborrheic dermatitis, dry eyes, and mites in eyelashes are the most common causes of blepharitis. A chalazion is caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. Other causes of chalazion formation are acne rosacea, chronic blepharitis, seborrheic dermatitis, tuberculosis, and viral infections.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of blepharitis are swollen edematous, greasy eyelids, red eyes that are itchy, dry eyes, crusted eyelashes, sticky eyes, repetitive blinking, photophobia, flaky skin around the eyelids, blurring of vision and eyelashes growing towards the eyes (trichiasis). Symptoms of chalazion are non-tender, bump usually on the upper eyelid, mild irritation on the eyelid, watery eyes, and blurring of vision in case of a massive chalazion.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of blepharitis is made after taking a just, doing an external eyelid examination, and taking a culture of eye discharge. A tear test can be done to identify dry eyes. An eyelash exam under the microscope is done to detect mites. Only rarely eyelid biopsy is taken if skin cancer is suspected. 

A healthcare professional will diagnose a chalazion after taking a medical history and doing an external eye exam. He will do an eyelid exam to look at the oil gland openings in the eyelid lining. 

Treatment:

At-home measures to reduce blepharitis include avoiding eye makeup, using warm compresses to clean the eyelid, and using lid scrubs to reduce dandruff on the lashes. A healthcare provider will identify the cause of blepharitis and may prescribe antibiotics ointments like erythromycin, or bacitracin in case of bacterial infections and steroid eye drops or cream in case of inflammatory causes. Chalazion mostly resolves in a month or less with home treatment. The use of warm compresses, gentle massages on the eyelids, and avoiding the use of eye makeup can help reduce the swelling promptly. In case the chalazion does not go away, a small incision is made by the eye specialist to drain the accumulating fluid. 

Table of differences between Blepharitis and chalazion

FAQs

Can blepharitis turn into chalazion?

Yes.

How can you tell the difference between a stye and blepharitis?

Stye is a single painful bump on the eyelid whereas blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids.

What is the difference between blepharitis and chalazion and hordeolum?

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids, caused by irritation of the eyelid lining and clogging of the oil glands in the eyelid. A chalazion, also known as a meibomian cyst, is a red bump on the eyelid. Hordeolum is a tender, painful pimple-like bump on the eyelid.

How do I know if I’ve got blepharitis?

Blepharitis will present with swollen edematous, greasy eyelids, itchy, dry red eyes, crusted eyelashes, sticky eyes, repetitive blinking, photophobia, and flaky skin around the eyelids. 

Why did I suddenly get a chalazion?

A chalazion occurs when an oil gland is blocked in the eyelid.

Can an optometrist treat a chalazion?

Yes.

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