Blefarite is an annoying inflammation of the eyelid edge that can compromise the well -being of the eyes and, consequently, the quality of life. Although the most common causes are bacterial or linked to dysfunctions of the eyelid glands, more and more studies (Herpetic Eye Disease Study Group, 2000) suggest that stress can also play a significant role in the onset and worsening of this condition. Chronic stress can in fact weaken the immune defenses, making the eyes more vulnerable to infections and inflammation.
Promptly recognize the symptoms of the stress blefarite And treating them adequately is essential to avoid complications and improve visual comfort.
What is stress blepharitis?
Blefarite is an inflammation that affects the margins of the eyelids, causing symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling and an annoying feeling of burning in the eyes. When it comes to stress blefariterefers to episodes in which it stress Play a triggering or aggravating role.
Chronic stress can negatively affect the immune systemreducing the body’s ability to counteract infections and inflammations, including eye ones. In addition, situations of anxiety and tension can alter the normal balance of the glands responsible for the production of the lipid layer of the tear film, thus facilitating the onset of the blefarite.
Causes of stress blepharitis
Among the Causes of blefarite We can count it stress. In particular, chronic stress plays a key role in the suppression of immune systemconsequently increasing the susceptibility to infections, including eye ones. Stress exposes the most delicate organs, such as the eyes, to the attack of viruses and bacteria. The constant production of cortisol (the stress hormone) can in fact interfere with immune responses, facilitating the proliferation of bacteria on the eyelids and inflammation.
Anxiety, worries and emotional stress They can physically manifest themselves in various ways, including inflammation of the eyelids. Psychological tension can also encourage harmful behaviors for the eyes, such as rubbing them frequently, aggravating the blefarite.
There are also related factors that can encourage or aggravate the onset of the blepharitis. There lack of sleepFor example, it negatively affects the immune defenses and the ability of eye cells to regenerate in time to repair the tissue damage. Another important factor is thediet which should be based on antioxidant nutrients and essential fatty acids. Stress also must not be underestimated in its transverse forms, such as, for example, the use of digital devices that cause visual hyperstimulation by aggravating the symptoms of blepharitis.
Symptoms of stress blepharitis
THE Symptoms of stress blepharitis They are similar to those of common blepharitis, but can be more intense and persistent during periods of greater emotional tension. Among the most common signals we find the classic Rossore at the eyelidsThe itching which is characterized with a feeling of sand. The eyelid they can swell and the tearing it becomes more intense, moreover they form secretions On the edge of the eyelids like small crusts.
Treatment of stress blepharitis
The Blefarite treatment It focuses oneyelid hygiene and the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics.
Understanding the triggering cause of blefarite remains of fundamental importance especially for the management of recurrence. The management of the symptom can be regulated through the Mindfulness and the relaxation techniques But the causes must be faced in a path of therapy. The psychosomatic meaning of the symptom on an unconscious level, the function of the symptom in the patient’s psychic system, are the central node of the success of the therapeutic path. In some cases, it may be useful to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, involving not only the ophthalmologist but also stress -managed specialists, such as psychologists and psychotherapists.
When to consult a specialist
The health of the eyes is often underestimated, until the symptoms become too annoying to be ignored. However, recognizing the first signs can make a big difference in the evolution and management of many eye conditions, including blepharitis, especially if aggravated by factors such as stress. Contacting a specialist, perhaps by making a first consultation from his general practitioner and then by a specialized ophthalmologist can help in resolving the problem promptly. Roaded eyelids like the sensation of sand are two important signs that something is happening to our eyes. Another specific alarm bell could be photophobia, that is, the annoyance in being close to light sources. These signals, especially if they present themselves in chronic or recurrent form, can indicate an underlying pathology such as chronic blepharitis or a dysfunction of the Meibomio glands. In some cases, they can be the alarm bell of a larger systemic or psychosomatic involvement.
An accurate eye examination that provides for the inspection of the bottom of the eye and the OCT (optical coherence tomography), is the first step for an effective diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is reached, the therapeutic path will be calibrated on the patient. The last frontiers of eye medicine provide treatments with pulsed light (IPL) for the Meibonio glands, thermal therapies and antibiotic or corticosteroid drugs.
However, the psychological aspect that must be adequately treated by mental health professionals such as psychologists, psciotherapists and psychiatrists remains predominant.
The psychological anamnesis of the patient, including the relational experience, the environment of origin and the context in which the person lives, are fundamental factors to achieve a good therapeutic result. The person needs to be included in his emotional experience and supported in the most stressful moments of his life. The triggering environmental factors, the triggers, must be identified and managed with adequate therapeutic support in order to return the sense of self -efficacy to the person.
Conclusion: a complete approach to eye care
Consulting a ophthalmologist promptly when suspicious symptoms appear is the first step towards the prevention of complications and the recovery of eye well -being. But it is equally important to consider the patient’s emotional and psychological context. A treatment Effective, in fact, is not limited to the control of eye symptoms, but takes over the person in its entirety, promoting a more stable and lasting healing.
