Referral

Blepharitis Pathway

Scope

Blepharitis is a common inflammatory eyelid condition caused by chronic staphylococcal infection and malfunction of the meibomian glands. It can cause secondary conjunctivitis, dry eye, and occasionally small corneal ulcers (marginal keratitis). It may be associated with rosacea which should be treated simultaneously.

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Signs and Symptoms

  • Usually chronic or slow onset but may wax and wane
  • Gritty, sore, red eyes
  • Eyelid crusting
  • Red rimmed, thickened lid margins +/- mild to severe crusting on the eyelashes
  • Blocked or oozing meibomian glands
  • Red conjunctiva in some cases

  • Usually, blepharitis can be treated by cleaning the eyelids every day. Eyelid hygiene which may need to be continued once acute inflammation settled to avoid further symptoms

Referral Criteria

  • Above measures trailed for more than 1 month and still severely symptomatic then refer routinely to OPD
  • Severe pain or photophobia or any evidence of marginal keratitis (peripheral corneal staining with fluorescein) then Urgent referral

Referral Instructions

e-Referral Service Selection:

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Clinic Type: Oculoplastics/Orbits/Lacrimal or Not Otherwise Specified

Service: DRSS-Eastern and Northern-Ophthalmology-Optom Only-Devon ICB- 15N

Referral Form

DRSS referral form

Pathway Group

This guideline has been signed off by NHS Devon

Publication date: May 2022