45-year-old man presents with itchy, red eyes and flaking around his eyelashes.
Cataract/Anterior Segment
What is your diagnosis?
The diagnosis is...
The image is consistent with a diagnosis of blepharitis.
- Blepharitis is a chronic condition with intermittent exacerbations and eruptions involving one or both eyes.
- If left untreated, blepharitis can cause styes, chalazia, trichiasis, or corneal ulcers, due to chronic dryness and irritation.
- Blepharitis has no cure, but complications can be prevented with proper eyelid hygiene and symptom management.
What is the role of the primary care or emergency medicine physician?
- Recognize symptoms that are distinct from those of pink eye or other ocular infections.
- Recommend eyelid hygiene management.
- Refer the patient to an ophthalmologist for complicated, recurrent, or refractory cases.
What is the role of the ophthalmologist?
- Evaluate the patient for tear film insufficiency (Schirmer test) and impaired nasolacrimal drainage, because these findings affect management.
- Develop a differential diagnosis for the etiology, including seborrheic blepharitis and staphylococcal blepharitis.
- Perform a thorough slit-lamp examination to evaluate for other underlying conditions.
What is the treatment?
Learn more: Ophthalmology resources for medical students