Blepharophyma

Blepharophyma
Specialty	Ophthalmology, Dermatology
Symptoms	Thickening of the skin around the eyelids, drooping of the eyelids
Causes	Often associated with rosacea
Diagnostic method	Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis	Blepharitis, Chalazion, Skin cancer
Treatment	Surgery, Laser therapy

Blepharophyma is a medical condition characterized by the significant thickening of the skin around the eyelids. This condition is often considered a severe form of phymatous rosacea, which primarily affects the nose but can also manifest in other facial areas such as the eyelids. Blepharophyma is part of a spectrum of diseases affecting the skin and is closely related to ocular rosacea, where the eyes and surrounding skin are inflamed due to rosacea.

Symptoms and Signs

The primary symptom of blepharophyma is the noticeable thickening and irregularity of the skin around the eyelids. Patients may also experience drooping of the eyelids (ptosis) and discomfort around the eye area. In severe cases, the thickening skin can lead to a reduction in vision if the eyelids begin to obstruct the visual field.

Causes

Blepharophyma is most commonly associated with advanced stages of rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The exact cause of rosacea and its related conditions like blepharophyma is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of blepharophyma is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the affected eyelids. A healthcare provider specializing in dermatology or ophthalmology will typically perform a thorough examination of the skin and eyes. Differential diagnosis may include other conditions that cause changes in the eyelid appearance, such as blepharitis, chalazion, or even skin cancer.

Treatment

Treatment options for blepharophyma include surgical interventions to remove excess skin and improve the function and appearance of the eyelids. Laser therapy may also be used to reduce the thickness of the skin. Managing underlying rosacea is crucial and can involve a combination of topical and oral treatments to control inflammation and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for blepharophyma largely depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of the treatment. Early intervention and management of rosacea can help prevent the progression to blepharophyma.

See Also

• Rosacea
• Dermatologic surgery
• Eyelid disorders