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Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)

Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis) Overview

Blepharitis (BLEH-fuh-REYE-tis) is an irritation of the eyelids. It has a variety of causes, ranging from allergy and infection to irritation as well as skin cancers. It is the most common eye disease.

Usually, blepharitis is mainly a nuisance and responds well to treatment.



Next: Eyelid Inflammation Causes »

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Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)

Eye Allergies Overview

Up to 50 million Americans suffer from the miseries of allergies, with allergic reactions involving the eyes being a common complaint. An allergic reaction that affects the conjunctiva, a clear layer of skin overlying the eyes, is commonly referred to as allergic conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis is divided into several major subtypes, but the most common subtypes are seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). SAC and PAC are triggered by an immune reaction involving a sensitized individual and an allergen. Simply stated, this means that if you are allergic to a particular substance and then come into contact with it, you experience an allergic reaction (eg, itching, sneezing).

Although it frequently occurs, allergic conjunctivitis is most commonly seen in areas with high seasonal allergens.

Eye Allergy Causes

Ocular (eye) allergies often affect the conjunctiva, a cle...

Read the Eye Allergies article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Blepharatis, Adult »

Blepharitis refers to a family of inflammatory disease processes of the eyelid(s).

Read More on eMedicine »

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