**Eyelid infection: causes, symptoms and treatment** Eyelid infection is one of the common eye diseases that can cause discomfort and affect the quality of life. This condition, which is also known by different names such as blepharitis or stye, is usually caused by bacterial, viral or fungal factors and is accompanied by symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling and pain of the eyelid. Familiarity with the causes of this disease, timely recognition of the symptoms and knowledge of appropriate treatment methods to deal with eyelid infection are necessary to prevent more serious eye complications and help maintain vision health. In this article, we will discuss the complete examination of eyelid infection: causes, symptoms and treatment. **Common causes of eyelid infection** Eyelid infection can have several causes, each of which has its own treatment methods. Knowing these causes helps to prevent and better manage this condition. ### **Bacteria and viruses** The most common and important cause of eyelid infection is bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus, which naturally lives on the skin. These bacteria can cause anterior blepharitis (in front of the eyelid) as well as stye. Viruses, such as herpes simplex virus, can also lead to eyelid infections, which are usually accompanied by small, painful blisters. ### **Blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation)** Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eye that is often recurrent and can be due to excessive sebum production by the meibomian glands (sebaceous glands at the edge of the eyelid) or bacterial activity in this area. At first, this condition is usually non-infectious, but it creates a suitable environment for bacteria to grow and become an eyelid infection. Blepharitis can be divided into two main types, anterior blepharitis (place where eyelashes grow) and posterior blepharitis (caused by meibomian gland disorders), which we will explain below. ### **eyelash flower and chalazion** Stye is an acute infection of the sebaceous glands of the eyelid, which appears as a red, painful and swollen lump on the edge of the eyelid. This condition is usually caused by bacteria. A chalazion (meibomian cyst) is also a hard, painless mass that usually occurs due to inflammation or obstruction of the meibomian gland and can be the result of an untreated stye. Although a chalazion is not inherently an infection, in some cases it can lead to a secondary eyelid infection. **Read more: How to clean lenses and glasses** **Symptoms and symptoms of eyelid infection** Early diagnosis of eyelid infection based on its symptoms is very important. These symptoms can vary, but some common symptoms include: ### **Appearance symptoms** Redness and swelling of the eyelids: this is one of the most obvious signs of eyelid inflammation. - Peeling and stickiness of eyelashes: especially in the morning when you wake up, you may see dried secretions on your eyelashes. - Discharge: purulent or mucous secretions may come out of the eyelid. - Lump or pimple formation: In cases of cilia or abscess, a red and painful lump may be palpable. ### **sensory symptoms** - Itching and burning eyes: discomfort and irritation in the eyes. - Pain: There is a feeling of pain, especially when touching the lesion. - The feeling of a foreign object in the eye: as if something has gone into the eye. - Sensitivity to light (photophobia): looking at strong light can cause pain or discomfort. Excessive tearing: the eyes may water more than usual. - Temporary blurring of vision: especially in cases where secretions have spread on the cornea. **types of eyelid infections** As mentioned, eyelid infection can take many forms, each of which has its own characteristics: ### **Blepharitis** Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelid that can be infectious or non-infectious. Its anterior type is usually associated with the accumulation of bacteria and crusts at the base of the eyelashes, while posterior blepharitis is a dysfunction of the meibomian glands and excessive secretion of fat, which can lead to blockage and inflammation. Chronic blepharitis can lead to successive infections. ### **Stye** Cyst is an acute infection of one of the sebaceous glands (Glands of Zeiss or Mole) at the root of the eyelashes or meibomian glands inside the eyelid. It is often seen as a small and painful lump like a pimple, and the main cause is staphylococcal bacteria. ### **Chalazion** Chalazion is a painless mass that is formed due to obstruction and non-infectious inflammation of the meibomian gland. This lump can be the result of an untreated stye or chronic inflammation, and in some rare cases, it can develop a secondary infection. ### **Perorbital cellulitis** Periorbital cellulitis is a more serious infection that involves the soft tissues around the eye, but does not involve the eyeball itself. It is often due to an infection spreading from the sinuses or a skin ulcer and requires immediate antibiotic treatment. Its symptoms include swelling, redness and severe pain. **Diagnosis of eyelid infection** Eyelid infection is mostly diagnosed by an ophthalmologist or general practitioner. The doctor can determine the type and severity of the infection by carefully examining the eyelids, the edge of the eyelashes and the sebaceous glands, as well as examining the patient's symptoms. In some cases, to accurately identify the cause of the disease, eyelid secretions may be sampled for microbial culture. **Read more: All about pterygium treatment** **3 methods of treating eyelid infection** Treatment of eyelid infection depends on its cause and severity. The main goal is to control infection, reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. ### **1- Household and health care** **Warm compress**: Using a warm and moist compress on the eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, can help loosen the crusts and secretions, open the sebaceous glands, and reduce inflammation. This method is very effective for eyelash flower and chalazion. **Eyelid wash**: Gently cleaning the edges of the eyelids with diluted baby shampoo or eyelid wash solutions recommended by your doctor will help remove scales and bacteria. This should be done carefully with a cotton pad or clean ear cleaner. **Avoid eye make-up**: During the infection, do not use eye make-up such as mascara and eyeliner to avoid aggravating the infection or its transmission. ### **2- Drug treatments** **Antibiotic drops and ointments**: In cases of bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe topical antibiotic drops or ointment, such as erythromycin, tetracycline, or azithromycin, to kill the bacteria. **Oral Antibiotics**: In more severe infections, especially in cases of periorbital cellulitis or chronic blepharitis that do not respond to topical treatment, oral antibiotics are prescribed. **Anti-inflammatory drops**: If there is severe inflammation, steroid eye drops may be prescribed to reduce swelling and redness, but should be used under the supervision of a doctor and for a limited time. ### **3- Medical procedures** **Surgical drainage**: In cases where the eyelash flower or chalazion is enlarged and does not respond to medical treatments, the doctor may see the need for surgical drainage. This is a minor outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. **Steroid injection**: In some chronic and treatment-resistant chalazions, direct injection of corticosteroids into the mass can help reduce inflammation and shrink it. **5 ways to prevent eyelid infection** To prevent eyelid infection, eye and eyelid hygiene is very important: 1. Personal hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your eyes. 2. **regular eyelid washing**: If you are prone to blepharitis, daily eyelid washing with diluted baby shampoo or special cleansers is recommended. 3. **Replacement of eye makeup**: Change your eye makeup once every 3 to 6 months to prevent the accumulation of bacteria. 4. **Avoid sharing cosmetics**: Do not share your eye cosmetics with others. 5. **Management of underlying diseases**: Control of diseases such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis that can lead to blepharitis. ### **Conclusion** Eyelid infection is a treatable condition, but it is very uncomfortable and can lead to more serious complications if not treated properly. Recognizing symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and eye discharge and seeing a doctor on time is essential for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. By observing eyelid hygiene, using warm compresses and medicines prescribed by the doctor, you can help manage and improve this condition. Prevention through hand and eye hygiene, and regular replacement of eye cosmetics also play a key role in reducing the risk of eyelid infections. Remember, the health of the eyes is a valuable investment, and in case of any concern, an ophthalmologist should be consulted. ### **