Search

Objective: To determine the relationship between the components of the metabolic syndrome with the presence of blepharitis., Methods: The study included 60 patients with a diagnosis of blepharitis and 30 control subjects. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were recorded, and peripheral venous blood samples were obtained under fasting conditions to determine the concentration of Glucose, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was determined after precipitating lipoproteins containing apoB-100 with phosphotungstic acid/Mg 2+ . The concentration of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using the Friedewald formula modified by DeLong., Results: In the comparative analysis, statistically significant differences were found in the waist circumference (P=.0491), systolic blood pressure (P=.0149), glucose (P=.0045), total cholesterol (P=.0001), HDL-C (P=.0049), LDL-C (P=.0266), and triglycerides (P=.0059); while there was no significant differences in the BMI or the diastolic pressure., Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that the metabolic syndrome could be considered a risk factor for the development of blepharitis, and its timely detection is essential to avoid future complications., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

A 65-year old woman suffered from therapy resistant chronic blepharoconjunctivitis and rosacea, without improvement under therapy of systemic and topic antibiotics and topic steroids and antihistamines. Demodex folliculorum was found adhered to the hair bulb on microscopic examination. She received oral ivermectin with good response. Two months later demodicidosis recurred. Then she was treated with a combination of ivermectin and transfer factor with total remission. Demodex folliculorum considered as saprophytic mite may play a pathogenic role in ocular diseases.

Phthiriasis palpebrarum, caused by Phthirus pubis, is an uncommon cause of blepharoconjunctivitis; therefore, this condition is easily misdiagnosed. When diagnosed, genital involvement must be ruled out. Association with other venereal diseases is common. Affected children must be searched for sexual abuse. The number of diagnosed patients in our department has increased in recent years. We review the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic features of phthriasis palpebrarum as well as the different treatment options to eradicate the parasite and to prevent infestations.