Bloody tears: a case of bilateral ulcerative blepharitis

  • Praveena Gupta Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD 21287
  • Laura Di Meglio Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD 21287
  • Ashley Behrens Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD21287
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35119/asjoo.v16i2.376
Keywords: atopic dermatitis, blepharitis, ulcerative blepharitis

Abstract

Chronic blepharitis leading to bilateral ulceration is rare to encounter. A 49-year-old African American female presents with bloody tears, severe pain, and photophobia in both eyes. Clinical presentation called for ulceration on the upper lid margins with excavated wound which bled on gentle rubbing. A systemic health review in combination of the symptoms and clinical picture led to the diagnosis of severe ulcerative blepharitis. Immediate oral antibiotics were started along with topical antibiotic cream. Ulcerative blepharitis can be easily misdiagnosed with sebaceous cell carcinoma. The pathophysiology of ulcerative blepharitis points to synergy between infectious entity and inflammatory aetiology, with either bacterial or fungal microorganisms as the trigger agents. Almost all cases of ulcerative blepharitis should include a dermatological evaluation given there is a strong association between ulcerative blepharitis and atopic dermatitis.

Author Biographies

Praveena Gupta, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD 21287

Assistant Professor

Wilmer Eye Institute

Johns Hopkins University,

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Laura Di Meglio, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD 21287

Instructor

SOM Ophthalmology,

 

Ashley Behrens, Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD21287

Associate Professor

Comprehensive Eye services

 

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Published
2018-11-21
How to Cite
Gupta, P., Di Meglio, L., & Behrens, A. (2018). Bloody tears: a case of bilateral ulcerative blepharitis. Asian Journal of Ophthalmology, 16(2), 119-123. https://doi.org/10.35119/asjoo.v16i2.376
Issue
Vol 16 No 2 (2018): Asian Journal of Ophthalmology
Section
Case Reports/Case Series

Copyright (c) 2018 Asian Journal of Ophthalmology

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