blepharitis

DEFINITION of blepharitis

bleph·a·ri·tis /ˌblefəˈrīdəs/ - blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids in which they become red, irritated and itchy with dandruff-like scales that form on the eyelashes. It is a common eye disorder caused by either bacteria or a skin condition, such as dandruff of the scalp or rosacea. Blepharitis is a common, often chronic inflammatory process affecting the eyelids. It is clinically categorized into anterior (affecting the base of the eyelashes) and posterior (associated with Meibomian gland dysfunction). While rarely sight-threatening, it causes significant ocular discomfort and can lead to secondary changes like conjunctivitis, hordeola (styes), or chalazion. The pathophysiology often involves bacterial colonization (Staphylococcal) or skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea.

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ETYMOLOGY of blepharitis

mid 19th century: from greek blepharon ‘eyelid’ + [-itis] The term is derived from Ancient Greek:

• blephar- (βλέφαρον): Root meaning “eyelid.”

• -itis (-ῖτις): Suffix denoting “inflammation.”

• Literal Meaning: “Inflammation of the eyelid.”

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RELATED TERMS to blepharitis

Demodicosis Dry Eye ptosis  (blepharoptosis): Drooping of the eyelid

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Coding & Documentation Nuances

• ICD-10-CM Specificity: Blepharitis requires high specificity in the H01.0- category. Coders must identify:

  • Type: Is it ulcerative (H01.01-), squamous/seborrheic (H01.02-), or unspecified?

  • Laterality: Codes are specific to the right eye, left eye, bilateral, or “unspecified eye.”

  • Eyelid Location: Some sub-codes distinguish between the upper and lower eyelid.

• Excludes1 Note: Note that blepharoconjunctivitis (H10.5-) is an Excludes1 condition, meaning if both the lid and the conjunctiva are inflamed, the combined code must be used instead of coding blepharitis separately.

Clinical Indicators

To support a diagnosis of blepharitis in an operative or encounter report, look for:

• Physical Findings: erythema (redness) of the lid margins, “scurf” or “collarettes” (crusting) at the base of the lashes, or plugging of the Meibomian glands.

• Patient Symptoms: Foreign body sensation (“grittiness”), itching (pruritus), or burning of the eyes.

• Diagnostic Tools: Slit-lamp examination documentation is the standard for visualizing the lid margin architecture.

Related Terms & Differentials

• blepharoptosis: The drooping (prolapse) of the upper eyelid, usually due to nerve or muscle dysfunction; unlike blepharitis, it is not primarily inflammatory.

• Hordeolum: An acute focal infection (stye) of an eyelid gland; while blepharitis is a generalized inflammation of the margin.

• 30 Anatomy & Path/Med terms dictionary/med terms/chalazion: A non-infectious granuloma of a Meibomian gland; often a chronic sequela of posterior blepharitis.

• Blepharoconjunctivitis: Inflammation involving both the eyelid margins and the bulbar or palpebral conjunctiva.

• Entropion/Ectropion: Malposition of the eyelid (turning inward or outward, respectively) which can be caused by chronic scarring from long-term blepharitis.

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DERIVATIONS of blepharitis

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Med roots dictionary Appendix A Prefixes Appendix B Combining Forms Appendix C Suffixes Appendix D Suffix forms