Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders, Blepharitis Symptoms, and Treatment

What are chalazion and hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Blepharitis, and Eye Disorders? We will analyze the causes of occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment methods in the article of Dr. Sergey Valerievich Kotelnikov, an ophthalmologist with an experience of 14 years offers.

 

Literary editor Vera Vasina, scientific editor Sergei Tsyganok, and editor-in-chief Margarita Tikhonova worked on the article by Dr. Kotelnikov Sergey Valerievich

 

Definition of disease. Causes of the disease

Barley (chalazion and hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders) is a red, painful bump that forms on or inside the eyelid at the edge of the eyelashes. May look like a pimple.

 

Why barley appears

Styes on the eye, or hordeolum, is an acute focal disease that is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus). Bacteria mainly affect the glands of Zeiss, in rare cases - the meibomian glands.

Due to their close location, and external similarity, barley is often confused with meibomitis, and chalazion, although these diseases belong to different types of lesions. A chalazion occurs due to blockage of the sebaceous gland, and barley - when the glands are infected. But sometimes a chalazion can develop into barley.

Risk factors

Barley affects patients with chronic blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and ocular rosacea (pimples around the eyes). Frequent morbidity is explained by the fact that in these diseases the skin is more strongly infected with pathogenic microorganisms.

In addition, risk factors include previous infectious diseases, diabetes, chronic inflammatory diseases of the eyelids, reduced immunity, hypovitaminosis, and furunculosis.

Prevalence

Barley is one of the most common diseases of the eyelids. There is no gender predisposition to its development: both men and women get sick equally often.

Barley is more common in adults than in children. This may be due to higher androgen levels, and increased sebum viscosity [11].

If you experience similar symptoms, consult your doctor. Do not self-medicate - it is dangerous for your health!

Symptoms of Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

The symptoms of the disease include:

• Swelling, and drooping of the eyelid;
• Pain, itching, redness, and burning sensation in the eyes;
• Crusts on the edges of the eyelids;
• Blurry vision;
• Discharge of mucus from the eye;
• Increased photosensitivity;
• A feeling of fullness inside the eyelid;
• Discomfort when blinking;
• The sensation of a foreign object in the eye.

Most often, barley is manifested by acute pain, swelling of the eyelids, and redness of the skin. Then a subcutaneous nodule is formed, which can protrude forward to the surface of the skin or to the back of the eyelid.

In the next few days, the swelling increase and the skin first turns red and then turns yellow. Finally, pus erupts near the edge of the eyelid, after which the inflammation quickly disappears. The small cavity of the abscess soon closes up, and the patient recovers.

Although the disease lasts only a few days, it is often difficult for patients to endure it: a swollen, and tense eyelid hurts a lot, in addition, the disease can develop again 3] .

In a complicated course, a pyogenic granuloma sometimes develops - an extensive lesion of the skin of the eyelid, which presses on the eyes, due to which children's vision may deteriorate.

 

Pathogenesis of chalazion and hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

The pathogenesis of barley, as a rule, is meibomian, in which the secretion of the glands stagnates, and their mouths become denser. Due to stagnation of the secret, an infection develops - usually Staphylococcus aureus.

Most often, with barley, the Zeiss glands are suppurated, less often only one of the meibomian glands. In both cases, the stye process imilarlyway, but since the meibomian glands are larger than the Zeiss glands, and are surrounded by dense cartilage tissue, the inflammation in them is more pronounced, and the pus is emptied later.

 

While the pus is inside the diseased gland, it shines through the conjunctiva of the everted eyelid in a yellowish color. Later, it breaks through the conjunctiva or is emptied through the opening of the gland. When the meibomian gland is affected, pus often breaks through the skin; when the Zeiss gland is affected, this happens very rarely [3] [4].

Styes are similar to acne because the meibomian glands are modified sebaceous glands. Sharp inflammation, and severe edema, which distinguish barley from skin acne, are associated with the structural features of the eyelid. Histologically, the hordeolum is a focal accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and necrotic remnants (ie, an abscess) [2] [3].

Classification, and development stages of  (chalazion and hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders)

Barley is external and internal. External barley is more common, formed on the outer side of the upper or lower eyelid. It develops with the suppuration of the Zeiss gland. Initially, there is inflammatory edema of the eyelid, which in severe cases extends to the conjunctiva of the sclera.

Internal barley is much less common than external. It is the suppuration of one of the meibomian glands, therefore it is also called meibomian (hordeolum meibomianum) [5]. Formed on the inside of the eyelids.

 

Complications of Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

Complications with barley are extremely rare. If the disease is not treated, the infection can spread to the periorbital tissues. In addition, without daily hygiene of the eyelidsa , stye can reappear.

With improper drainage or self-opening of barley, the growth of eyelashes may be disturbed, the notch of the eyelid may be deformed, or a fistula of the eyelids may appear.

Other possible complications of barley include:

• A meibomian cyst ( chalazion ) is a cyst of small glands located on the eyelid. A resistant stye on the inside of the eyelid can develop into a chalazion, especially when the gland is blocked. This type of cyst is treated easily, and effectively.
• Perceptual or periorbital cellulitis - may develop if the infection has spread to the tissues around the eye. The layers of skin around the eyes become inflamed, causing the eyelids to become red, and swollen. The disease is treated with antibiotics.
• Orbital cellulitis is a potentially life-threatening complication, but it is extremely rare. With the disease, the soft tissues behind the orbital septum become infected. The disease can occur at any age but is more common in children [6].

 

Diagnostics of Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

When diagnosing barley, the doctor will interview, and examine the patient, in some cases a biopsy may be required.

Collection of anamnesis

At the appointment, the doctor will ask how long ago the symptoms began (barley usually develops in a few days), and whether they have occurred before.

Styes do not affect visual acuity, so any accompanying symptoms, such as changes in visual acuity, redness of the eyes, double vision, or limited or painful eye movements, may indicate an alternative diagnosis.

Inspection

With barley, in a few days, an acute painful localized edema (papule or boil) develops at the edge of the eyelid. The eye may water excessively. Symptoms are usually unilateral but may occur in both eyes.

On examination, to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor will twist the lower and upper eyelids.

If barley is external:

• Swelling is located at the edge of the upper or lower eyelid;
• Edema is usually localized around the eyelash follicle;
• Barley is directed anteriorly through the skin;
• A noticeable small yellow spot filled with pus;
• Sometimes several styes appear on the eyelid.

If the barley is internal:

• Painful swelling occurs in the inner eyelid (although the entire eyelid may be affected);
• Compared to the outer barley, the bump is further from the edge of the eyelid;
• When the eyelid is everted, local swelling occurs in the region of the tarsal plate.

 

Biopsy

Atypical clinical features such as eyelid margin distortion, eyelash loss, ulceration, or bleeding may suggest an alternative diagnosis, such as eyelid malignancy. In these cases, a biopsy is performed - excision of a piece of tissue for microscopic examination [7].

Differential Diagnosis

Barley should be distinguished from the following diseasesA meibomianan cyst (chalazion) is a focal chronic inflammation of the Zeiss or meibomian glands. A chalazion is formed when the contents of the glands (sebum) stagnate, due to which inflammation of a non-infectious nature develops. A chalazion is usually larger and less painful than stye [2][3].

• Moll cysts are dome-shaped papules or nodules filled with clear fluid. They occur due to blockage of the apocrine sweat glands along the edge of the eyelid.
• Zeiss cysts are usually filled with yellow, oily discharge. The disease develops due to blockage of the sebaceous glands along the edge of the eyelid.
• Epidermal inclusion cysts are firm, raised round foci with a central pore filled with keratin. They develop with impaired patency of the funnel of the hair follicle, and grow slowly. - manifested by swelling, burning, and redness of the eyelids and the skin around them. The disease can be suspected if symptoms appear after the use of fragrances, cosmetics, hair care products, or the use of contact lenses.
• Atopic eczema is accompanied by redness, peeling, and severe itching of the skin of the eyelids. - this is an acute or chronic inflammation of the edge of the eyelid. Signs of chronic inflammation of the surrounding skin, such as increased pattern thickening, dryness, peeling, and cracking, can be indicative of both blepharitis, and eczema. Is an infection of the lacrimal sac caused by blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. With an acute infection, pain, swelling, and redness occur in the median region of the eyeball. The redness may also extend to the nose and cheek. With chronic infection, swelling or redness may be absent. Massage of the skin over the lacrimal sac causes the discharge of pus from small holes in the area of ​​the inner corner of the eye. - rashes on the skin of the century of a characteristic pink color. With the eye, the damage is an eye infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms of the disease include tingling in the forehead, blisters on the forehead, and nose, pain, and redness of the eyes, increased photosensitivity, and swelling of the eyelid.
• Periorbital, and orbital cellulitis - proceeds with severe edema of the eyelid, and bulging of the eyeball.
• Malignant tumors of the eyelids - are manifested by atypical clinical signs (progressive skin lesions, deformation or destruction of the edge of the eyelid, loss of eyelashes, pigmentation, ulceration, crusting, or bleeding) or recurrence of stye in the same place. Painful symptoms may be caused by basal cell carcinoma (most common), melanoma, sebaceous, or squamous cell carcinoma [6][10].

Treatment of Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

Treatment of barley can be conservative, and operational.

 

Conservative treatment of barley

Warm compresses that are applied to the eyelid several times a day will help speed up the outflow of pus from the lesion. Compresses can only be used as prescribed by an ophthalmologist because in some cases warming up can worsen the condition.

Alternative methods of treating barley are not very effective. You should not try to squeeze or drain the barley yourself: the infection can spread to deeper tissues. If redness and swelling go beyond the eyelid to the cheek or other parts of the face, and the temperature rises, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist. Regular follow-up with the doctor will also help to notice the deterioration or side effects of medications in time.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointments or steroid drops. In some cases, injection of Triamcinolone (Kenalog) is recommended, but taking this drug is associated with small risks of steroid deposition on the skin, necrosis, atrophy of the subcutaneous fat, loss of vision, incomplete resolution of the stye, and the need for surgery. Other adverse reactions include hypo- or hyperpigmentation, especially in patients with dark skin tones.

Surgical treatment of barley

If the inflammation persists after taking medication, a surgical incision and drainage will be required. The operation is performed under local anesthesia: an anesthetic is injected into the affected eyelid through the skin, the conjunctival surface, or through both areas.

During the operation, the eyelids were turned out. A chalazion clamp is used to hold the eyelid in place at the center of the stye.

 

Drainage is performed using a stab incision with a special blade over the affected area. External incisions can cause scarring, so making incisions or punctures on the outside of the eyelid is less desirable. They are carried out if the barley is directed to the surface of the skin. In this case, the incision is made directly over the area of ​​skin thinning.

Internal incisions can be made vertically along the length of the meibomian gland. Such an incision is self-sealing, so the cornea is less irritated during healing. The contents of the lesion are removed with a small curette. To ensure the release of residual pus, the incision is left open with clean edges, and drained, for example with a piece of latex, - this avoids wound healing until it is completely emptied. Then the eyelids are covered with ointment for several hours [7].

Forecast. Prevention

With an uncomplicated course, and proper timely treatment, the prognosis is usually favorable: the patient recovers completely, and there are no scars and other consequences.

Blepharitis - symptoms, and treatment

What is blepharitis? We will analyze the causes of occurrence, diagnosis, and methods of

Blepharitis is an inflammatory disease of the eyelids, which in most cases is chronic. For a better understanding of the causes, and mechanisms of this disease, it is necessary to have an idea of ​​the anatomy of the eyelid. treatment in the article of Dr. Sergey Aleksandrovich Tsyganok, an ophthalmologist with an experience of 11 years of.

Literary editor Margarita Tikhonova, and scientific editor Sergey Fedosov worked on the article by Dr. Tsyganok Sergey Alexandrovich

 

Definition of disease. Causes of the disease

 So, in the image, you can see the "cut" of the century in the lateral projection. In the case of blepharitis, most inflammations are formed by the secretion glands, the meibomian gland, which is a modified sebaceous gland, as well as the sweat glands located between the eyelashes. Meibomian glands are needed to form a secret. By its consistency, the normal secret is fluid and allows you to protect the surface of the eyes from drying out, and injury, mixing perfectly with the tear. When something leads to a violation of the excretion of this secret, then its increased viscosity or violation of production occurs - the secret begins to stagnate inside the ducts, causing itching, redness, discomfort, and swelling.

Etiology

Exogenous causes (external)

Diseases that can cause blepharitis to include a bacterial (usually staphylococcal) infection of the eyelids or deep gland ducts that exposes the edges of the eyelids, and some viral infections (usually herpes simplex virus).

Also, in some cases, the use of eye drops that cause an allergic reaction can lead to blepharitis [13 .

Endogenous causes (internal)

Some types of blepharitis are associated with and even caused by non-communicable dermatological diseases such as rosacea. Among other things, cases of imitation of the symptoms of serious connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, have also been reported [1].

In addition, it is reliably known that blepharitis is sometimes a harbinger of metabolic syndrome, and requires an appeal to an endocrinologist. This is evidenced by the data of a study conducted in Taiwan, in which more than 50,000 participants took part. [2]

Often there are situations when the causes of blepharitis are problems with the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract), immunity disorders, hidden helminthic invasions, diet disorders, etc. As a treatment, it is proposed to drink brewer's yeast, populate your body with "good" bacteria, be sure to take an immunogram from an immunologist, and then in every possible way increase immunity.

Fortunately, everything is not so scary, and often the causes of blepharitis are not so global. However, these reasons, unfortunately, are just as often not resolved once, and for all.

In most cases, blepharitis is bilateral disease that is often accompanied by infection, but almost all are not contagious.

If you experience similar symptoms, consult your doctor. Do not self-medicate - it is dangerous for your health!

Symptoms of blepharitis

Symptoms of blepharitis are quite typical and do not differ in variety. Often these include redness, itching, peeling, and swelling of the eyelids. They are also joined by symptoms of dryness, a feeling of a foreign body, a feeling of sand, and irritation in the eyes - all of these are a consequence of the dry eye syndrome, which very often accompanies blepharitis.

 

Seborrheic blepharitis is characterized by less inflammation than staphylococcal blepharitis, but with a more oily or greasy coating.

Chronic conjunctivitis is quite common. Usually, it develops in connection with the following situation: waking up in the morning, the patient sees discharge in the corners of the eyes, as a rule, this frightens him, and he goes to the pharmacy; there he is offered sodium sulfanyl, "Albucid" or something similar. However, after such self-treatment, the disease does not disappear.

In fact, the whitish discharge is not "pus." In fact, this is just the secret of the meibomian gland, which has accumulated overnight in the corners of the eyes or envelops the eyelashes and may be in a dried state. All of the above symptoms of blepharitis are not a reason for panic, and the use of antibiotics on their own. The best option in such a situation would be a timely appeal to an ophthalmologist - the doctor will conduct an examination, listen to the history, and prescribe an effective treatment for blepharitis.

Pathogenesis of blepharitis

The exact pathogenesis of blepharitis has not been established, however, there is an assumption that the appearance of this disease is multifactorial.

Staphylococcal blepharitis is thought to be caused by staph bacteria on the surface of the eyes. A study of the eye flora in patients diagnosed with staphylococcal blepharitis revealed that Staphylococcus aureus was found in 46-51% of the subjects. [3]

The mechanism of occurrence of blepharitis due to bacteria, with all the resulting unpleasant symptoms, is not fully understood, therefore, it may include both direct irritation from bacterial toxins, and enhanced cell-mediated immunity to staphylococci. [4] [5] There is a suggestion that a local decrease in the level of lysozyme, and immunoglobulin can give rise to resistance (resistance) of the bacterium to natural immune barriers. [6]

Meibomian gland dysfunction is a particular diagnosis that unites all types of blepharitis. It is characterized by functional abnormalities of the meibomian glands, and altered secretion, which plays an important role in slowing down the evaporation of the tear film and flattening it to provide a clear optical surface.

Some doctors adhere to the hypothesis that the occurrence of blepharitis is associated with the active reproduction of the Demodex skin mite. But it is impossible to unequivocally state that it is Demodex that provokes the disease since there are no convincing clinical data on this. Most likely, the appearance of the disease and the reproduction of Demodex have a common cause, therefore, such a relationship can be traced. Normally, Demodex mites are present in small numbers on the skin of all people.

 

Classification, and stages of development of blepharitis

In Russia, there are two types of blepharitis:

• Anterior blepharitis is most often characterized by involvement of the eyelashes, the follicle around the eyelashes, and the anterior margin;
• Posterior (meibomian) blepharitis often involves deeper structures, such as the ducts of the meibomian glands.

Anterior blepharitis, in turn, is subdivided into staphylococcal, and seborrheic. As already mentioned in the pathogenesis, in the vast majority of cases, anterior blepharitis is associated with a bacterial infection. In the case of seborrheic blepharitis, the cause of the disease is the scales of the keratinized tissue of the head or eyebrows, and a combination of these two factors is also possible.

 

Acute, and chronic blepharitis

The division into acute and chronic blepharitis is very conditional. In modern literature there is no such classification, subacute blepharitis refers to chronic. An acute condition is a consequence of a previously preceding chronic blepharitis.

Allergic Blepharitis

The rarest type of blepharitis is allergic. Most often it is a consequence of allergic conjunctivitis or parasitic infestation.

Some sources distinguish scaly, ulcerative, demodectic, and angular blepharitis. Such a classification has nothing to do with the practical experience of doctors or scientific research.

Complications of blepharitis

The most common complications of blepharitis include (complications are arranged as the danger increases):

• Dry eye syndrome. Perhaps this is the surest, and most common symptom of almost all blepharitis. Whatever type of blepharitis occurs in a patient, one way or another, the surface of the eyelid facing the conjunctiva will suffer. It will be inflamed, and swelling will occur, perhaps not very even due to inflammation. These incongruences will cause the tear film to rupture quickly, and more often than not, they will simply prevent it from forming. The conjunctiva and, more importantly, the cornea, in places of rupture, will experience increased friction even with such a banal act as blinking. As a result of microdamage to the surface, patients often complain of lacrimation, photophobia, discomfort, a feeling of sand, and burning in the eyes. If we take into account posterior blepharitis, namely the dysfunction of the meibomian gland, which produces this "lubricating" secret, then with a lack of secretion or an incorrect composition, an unstable tear film will form, quickly breaking, and quickly forming. As a result, at the site of the rupture, the surface dries up, and when blinking, microtrauma, lacrimation, a feeling of a foreign body, and photophobia again occur.
• Epiphora is a clinical manifestation during which we can observe "lacrimation over the edge" in the patient. Many colleagues will certainly not agree with me that these diseases can be associated directly with blepharitis, but I have seen confirmation of this connection more than once. This sequence and the pattern are noted by other doctors and specialists. In 45% of patients suffering from chronic blepharitis, stenosis of the lacrimal punctum was found. [8] Some histological evidence suggests that a decrease in goblet cells, an increase in macrophages, and other inflammatory cells lead to stenosis ranging from the punctum to the ampulla of the lacrimal duct.
• Hordeolum or barley - inflammation in the follicle, most often external. In the vast majority, it arises from conditionally pathogenic flora located on the surface of the skin.

 

• A chalazion is a slowly progressive formation within the eyelid characterized by swelling, and blockage of the meibomian glands. Very often it is confused with barley because both diseases lead to inflammation (or are the result of inflammation), swelling, and redness.

 

Diagnosis of blepharitis

During the examination with a slit lamp, the doctor can distinguish the characteristic signs of blepharitis, but there are no specific tests for diagnosing this disease. None of the tests will give one hundred percent confirmation of the diagnosis of Blepharitis.

By indirect signs, it is possible to establish a decrease in the osmolarity of the lacrimal fluid, which will be a consequence of the dry eye syndrome, which often accompanies blepharitis.

Tests for the detection of ticks (Demodex)

In some cases, the doctor may suggest doing a microscopic examination of the eyelashes to identify the Demodex mite, but the appropriateness of this analysis is rather controversial. Otherwise, about diagnosis, the doctor relies on clinical signs, anamnesis, and examination data.

 

The detection of demodectic blepharitis is a relic of the past, in which any itching in the eyelids due to meibomian blepharitis was interpreted as moving ticks. In fact, itching is associated with inflammation in the area of ​​​​the glands, which reflexively causes a desire to scratch the eyes.

In the American classification, demodectic blepharitis is not distinguished, since it is not an independent disease. Diagnosis with the removal of eyelashes, and microscopy of larvae, and adults are also not carried out. Ticks live on pillows, on the skin, etc., and it makes no sense to fight what surrounds us every day, so this analysis does not play any role for ophthalmologists around the world. As soon as the exacerbation of blepharitis is eliminated, then the number of ticks becomes normal.

Treatment of blepharitis

Drug therapy is used to treat blepharitis

Medical therapy

Drug therapy includes topical, and systemic antibiotics, topical glucocorticosteroids, and tear replacement therapy.

Topical antibiotics

For anterior blepharitis, this method of treatment is relevant. In this case, patients can use ointment forms or eye drop forms. Unfortunately, some patients require chronic therapy. [9]

Systemic antibiotics (by mouth)

There is evidence that tetracyclines and macrolides are effective against meibomian gland dysfunction. Their action is not based on a direct fight against microorganisms, but on the removal of inflammation, and the ability to regulate lipid metabolism. [ten]

Local glucocorticosteroids

Short courses of topical steroid therapy are indicated to relieve symptoms, and in combination with specific antibiotics (eg, the combination of tobramycin/dexamethasone) are particularly advantageous due to the lipid-stabilizing properties of the first drug in the bundle. A few retrospective studies are proving the effectiveness of 0.05% cyclosporine, but these facts require more detailed study.

Tear replacement therapy

This method of treating blepharitis is very common since most patients with blepharitis have problems associated with rapid rupture of the tear film, which can be unpleasant both for the dry eye syndrome itself and for blepharitis itself to increase due to excessive friction of the eyelid against the insufficiently moistened surface of the conjunctiva.

Application of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

According to the recommendation of The international workshop on meibomian gland dysfunction, their use can reduce the frequency, and severity of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Lipiflow

 

This is a patented system that has a pulsating, and warming effect on the eyelids, distributed throughout the United States. The procedure lasts 5 minutes, and the entire course is at least two weeks. Its effectiveness has been proven [11], however, for patients living in Russia, I would recommend a procedure that is slightly more complicated than lipiflow, but more budgetary. More details about this method can be found below in the section “Forecast. Prevention".

Intraductal probing of the meibomian gland

This medical procedure, which is extremely rare in Russia, is highly effective due to the elimination of the root cause. [12] A tube enters the meibomian gland, through which a drug is injected.

Other procedures, and physiotherapy for the treatment of blepharitis

Effects that come down to heating, and squeezing out the meibum will be effective. However, physiotherapy, in addition to the main impact, has minor, insufficiently studied effects. Personalization, and magnetotherapy are unproven methods, they are used only in the CIS countries.

Diet for blepharitis

Some researchers claim that eating a diet rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has a beneficial effect on the course of posterior blepharitis.

Also recommended products:

• Linseed oil;
• Oily fish - salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and tuna;
• Whole grains;
• Vegetable protein, beans;
• Fresh fruits, and green vegetables.

You should drink more water, avoid foods with trans fats, and saturated fats, and limit alcohol consumption [14].

Recommendations for the treatment of blepharitis

During the treatment of blepharitis, cosmetics should not be applied to the edge of the eyelid, mascara should be used with caution, tinting only the edge of the eyelashes. It is not recommended to use eyeliners and shadows. Wearing contact lenses is not contraindicated unless the patient has blepharoconjunctivitis, or unless the blepharitis is associated with a bacterial infection. However, it is important to keep soft contact lenses clean as they can become excessively contaminated with meibum.

Treatment of blepharitis in children

In children, blepharitis is often associated with dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. There is no reliable data on a direct connection, as well as on the pathophysiology of the process, but many experts note such a connection. Most often, blepharitis is accompanied by constipation.

Prevention and treatment of blepharitis in children are complicated by the inability to adequately, and regularly perform eyelid hygiene, compresses, and massage.

How to treat blepharitis at home

In the chronic form of posterior blepharitis, you can independently make compresses with massage, as described below. With other types of blepharitis, especially in the acute stage, it is undesirable to self-medicate, due to the inability of the patient to make a correct diagnosis for himself. Diagnosis requires biomicroscopy (slit lamp examination), and some other tests.

Forecast. Prevention

The first step in the treatment of blepharitis is eyelid hygiene, which includes warm compresses, and eyelid massage.

 

1.     Take a soft cosmetic pad, wet it with warm, even slightly hot (but not scalding) boiled water, apply cotton pads to closed eyelids, and hold them on the surface of the eyelids for about a minute (or less, depending on the ambient temperature, and wind, sometimes the water cools quickly, and the opposite effect is obtained - evaporating water cools the skin). If the cotton pad has cooled down quickly, you can repeat the procedure, and wet it with warm water again. It is difficult to determine a criterion that would indicate that the eyelid has really warmed up, and the secret that is inside the duct has become more fluid.

2.     With soft, confident movements from the crease of the eyelid to its edge, run your finger, as if “squeezing the paste out of the tube”. Thus, you will mechanically contribute to the cleansing of the ducts in which the secret has accumulated.

3.     Perform eyelid hygiene by wiping the edge of the eyelid with a cotton pad. Eyelid hygiene aids may be used. The doctor can tell you more about them at the appointment.

Carry out such hygiene regularly as a feeling of heaviness in the eyelids, redness or itching appears.

How to prevent blepharitis

Most cases of blepharitis cannot be prevented. But to minimize the symptoms of blepharitis, you can take the following measures:

Barley on the eye. How do quickly deal with this trouble?

 

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Barley is a widespread infectious disease that affects both adults, and children. The site of inflammation swells hurts and causes a lot of aesthetic inconveniences. An ordinary person does not need to understand medical terminology, it is much more important to get rid of discomfort, pain, and burning sensations as quickly as possible. Is it worth waiting for the disease to pass on its own, and how does it avoids complications? Let's figure it out in this article.

What is barley? Barley, or hordeolum, is suppuration in the hair follicle of the eyelash, which occurs as a result of blockage of the sebaceous duct.
Outwardly, the hordeolum resembles a boil or a bump that looks like a grain of barley. Typically, barley affects only one eye (less often there are cases of transmission of infection to a healthy eye). There are the following types of barley:

• External - barley, localized on the outside of the eyelid in the intercalary space;
• Internal - hordeolum on the inside of the eyelid is rare, but is more painful, and takes longer to heal.

In both cases, the disease requires immediate treatment by an ophthalmologist. Self-medication can lead to complications (development of chalazion, and meibomitis).

 

Causes of barley on the eye

The causative agent of the disease is Staphylococcus aureus, which shows its activity in reducing human immunity. Infection occurs in different ways:

• Contact with microbes in the eyes from dirty hands, and towels;
• A complication of blepharitis - chronic inflammation of the eyelids;
• Use of contaminated or low-quality cosmetics, and makeup brushes;
• Poor cleaning of the eyes, non-compliance with the rules of hygiene, care techniques for contact lenses, and extended eyelashes;
• Low immunity, colds, hypothermia, stress.

First symptoms

The first stages of the disease pass without pronounced symptoms. Further, the development process of barley develops as follows:

• The affected eye swells, pain, and burning appear, the eye waters heavily, and itches;
• On the edge of the ciliary edge, an abscess forms with a yellowish or white top, resembling a pimple or boil;
• The capsule of barley breaks, and the contents flow out;
• There is tissue regeneration and restoration of the affected area.

When the first signs of barley appear, you should immediately seek medical advice. The ophthalmologist conducts a visual examination of the patient, if necessary, prescribes additional studies, and tests.

5 important facts about stye on the eye

1. Barley is not contagious - cases of contact transmission of barley are rare, but do not forget to wash your hands more often, and do not touch or rub your eyes unnecessarily;
2. Barley must not be crushed - it is dangerous to open barley on your own! The external hordeolum opens itself, for the internal one, the help of a surgeon may be required;
3. Barley does not affect vision - inflammation of the eyelids does not affect the quality of vision, but it causes pain when moving the eyelid;
4. Barley passes by itself - with a favorable course of the disease, barley passes within 3-7 days;
5. Barley is prone to relapse - with a decrease in immunity, poor hygiene, and violation of the rules for wearing contact lenses, barley returns again, and again.

Treatment of barley

Treatment of any disease begins with a diagnosis and a visual examination of the patient. The doctor finds out the source of the infection, and prescribes conservative or surgical treatment:

• Drug treatment: antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial drops, ointments, and tablets - are prescribed by an ophthalmologist to destroy the pathogen, relieve swelling, and hyperemia;
• Physiotherapy:, microwave therapy - is shown to speed up the healing process, and wound healing;
• Surgical opening of suppuration, washing, and draining of the eyelids - is used in case of ineffective conservative treatment, the threat of loss of vision, and other complications.

Treatment with folk methods is dangerous to health! In some cases, it leads to the spread of inflammation deep into the tissues, a deterioration in general well-being, and the risk of reappearance of barley. Do not self-medicate, seek qualified medical help.

Doctors of the medical center "Zdorovye" are ready to provide comprehensive assistance in the treatment of eye diseases. The Department of Ophthalmology is equipped with all the necessary equipment to carry out complex diagnostics and prescribe treatment on time. The clinics of the network are located in different districts of Moscow to make visiting a doctor as convenient as possible for you.

Prevention of barley

Barley is easier to prevent than to treat. Strengthen your general immunity, monitor your health, and try not to overcook. Of great importance is the observance of the rules of personal hygiene: clean your eyes of cosmetics before going to bed, and change contact lenses in time. Avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily, wash your hands thoroughly with soap, and water.

Trust your health to qualified specialists. Timely prescribed treatment reduces the risk of complications and speeds up the healing process. Remember that self-administration of antibiotics can harm your health, and exacerbate an already difficult situation.

Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

When immunity is weakened, the opportunistic flora, peacefully existing for years on the surface of the skin, mucous membranes, or inside the human body, is activated and can lead to various diseases. Among them is barley - or, scientifically - hordeolum: a familiar condition to many, which more than 90% of cases is caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

 

The bacterial pathogen is not the only culprit of the disease. Barley can be caused by a fungus or a microscopic parasitic Demodex mite that likes to settle in or near hair follicles.

According to statistics, barley is most often diagnosed in the age range from 20 to 50 years, but its manifestations are also frequent in childhood. Pathology at least once manifested itself in 90 people out of 1000.

Barley - (Latin hordeolum) - an acute inflammatory process affecting - depending on the location - one or more ciliary follicles or cartilage glands of the eyelids.

Barley classification

Typically, barley in adults and children is divided into external, and internal - according to the place of occurrence of the inflammatory process.

Outer barley

External barley occurs much more often than its internal "brother". The place of localization is the outer, visible surface of the eyelid.

External barley appears due to infection of the follicles of the eyelashes or glands that are located at the edge of the eyelids. Zeiss's gland and Moll's gland usually suffer from it. The sebaceous glands of Zeiss are located in pairs around each follicle, into which they secrete their secret. Moll's sweat glands are located there, their function has not yet been fully elucidated.

With external barley, an abscess forms on the outside of the upper or lower eyelid with a white abscess at the top. Over time, the abscess matures and opens. After this, tissue regeneration begins: most often, within a few days, there is no trace of inflammation.

 

Symptoms of external Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

Usually, the disease has a mild onset: a person may not even notice that a health problem has arisen. The primary symptoms of barley on the eye include:

• Eyelid hyperemia;
• Puffiness;
• Pain, tingling in the affected area;
• Lacrimation.;

After 2-4 days, the infiltrate bursts, and the purulent contents come out. After that, the pain subsides, and the healing process begins.

In terms of symptoms, stye in the upper eyelid is no different from barley in the lower eyelid.

Domestic Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

As for the internal barley, the zone of its defeat is the lobules of the meibomian glands located in the cartilaginous plate of the eyelid. These glands are named after Professor Maybom, who discovered them, and they belong to the sebaceous group. Their secret is involved in the formation of the lipid layer of the tear film lining the surface of the eyeball, and the inside of the eyelids.

 

Symptoms of internal Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

The initial symptoms of internal, and external barley are similar: the patient is haunted by pain, swelling, increased lacrimation, and sensation of a foreign body. On the inside of the eyelid, you can see a hyperemic area with a yellowish center. Internal barley is usually more painful than external, and it takes more time to ripen.

Ripe internal barley is opened into the conjunctival sac. With an unfavorable course of the disease, a chalazion can form at the site of barley - a chronic inflammation of the cartilage, and gland area, in which the gland duct is clogged, and the secret cannot come out. The chalazion looks like a dense hyperemic ball ranging in size from millet grain to a pea. This condition requires mandatory treatment under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.

In rare cases, the formation of barley - both internal, and external - may be accompanied by general malaise, fever, aching joints, muscle, and headache, swollen lymph nodes located near the affected eye. Usually, such a reaction of the body indicates a complicated course of the disease. Consult your doctor: you may need a more serious treatment for barley or additional diagnostics.

Causes of Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, on the eye Eye Disorders

The causes leading to the onset of the disease include:

• Non-observance of hygiene rules;
• Use of someone else's or expired cosmetics, dirty brushes, and applicators;
• Untreated Demodex;
• Long stay in a dusty, dirty room;
• Lack of vitamins;
• Colds, hypothermia, decreased immunity;
• Constant stress;
• Diabetes;
• Obesity.

 

Stages of development of barley on the eye

How to treat barley on the eye

Usually, barley ripens on its own and opens within a week. The disease without complications does not require medical intervention. To quickly get rid of the disease, you can resort to warming compresses 3-4 times a day, apply to the inflamed area soaked in warm water, or a heated towel. Compresses with aloe juice, a decoction of St. John's wort, and chamomile can also help. In addition, careful hygiene of the eyelids is important: with increasing discharge, the eyes should be cleaned of crusts, and pus with sterile wipes, and boiled water.

If there is severe pain, general malaise, or suspicion that the disease has become complicated, it is better to consult a specialist. The doctor may prescribe:

• A course of antibiotics (for the treatment of chalazion, phlegmon, or in case of frequent occurrence, and severe course of the disease;
• Local anesthetics, antiseptics, glucocorticoids;
• Ultrahigh frequency therapy;
• Removal of an eyelash around which barley has formed;
• Surgical removal of the barley under local anesthesia. If the inflammation is too great, and the treatment is ineffective, the surgeon will open the abscess, and clean it of the accumulated pus.

 

How not to treat Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

In no case should you squeeze or open barley yourself? A relatively harmless disease with this approach can lead to health, and life-threatening complications: blood poisoning, meningitis, phlegmon of the eyelid, and thrombosis of the eye veins.

You should also not self-prescribe antibiotics or other medicines.

Prevention of eye Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) Barley, Eye Disorders

Prevention of the disease consists of simple rules, the main of which is hygiene. Not worth:

• Leave cosmetics on eyelashes, and eyelids overnight;
• Rub your eyes, comb them;
• Use other people's brushes for applying makeup;
• Overwork, overcool;
• Neglect the rules of wearing, and caring for contact lenses.

 

By following these recommendations, you will not protect yourself from the appearance of barley by 100%, however, you will significantly reduce the likelihood of its occurrence.