Changing concepts in the diagnosis and management of blepharitis.
OBJECTIVE
Chronic blepharitis is one of the most common conditions seen in the ophthalmologist's office; but, it is difficult to treat effectively. Nevertheless, much progress has been made over the last quarter century, not only in diagnosis but also in treatment of blepharitis.


METHODS
Perhaps the most important progress has been made as the result of extensive and detailed clinical evaluations of patients, sometimes over extended periods of time with diverse patient populations.


RESULTS
The availability of sophisticated instrumentation and laboratory techniques, as well as an array of antibiotics, has enhanced the whole picture for effective blepharitis treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Although much progress has been made, it is important to build on the present understanding. Most important is the continued development of targeted treatment protocols that address specific signs, as is now possible with microbial abnormalities. Progress in the understanding and treatment of relevant inflammatory processes will benefit from continuing biomedical discoveries.
McCulley
J P
JP
Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Texas Southwestern, Medical Center at Dallas, 75235-9057, USA.
Shine
W E
WE
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001762:Blepharitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005143:Eyelids / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008537:Meibomian Glands / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents