Blepharitis testing includes which of the following?

• A. MG expression, Meibography, NaFl, Lash epilation if collarettes
• B. Intraocular pressure alone
• C. Visual field testing only
• D. Gonioscopy and pachymetry

Answer: (A)

Blepharitis is a lid-margin inflammatory condition, so the testing focuses on lid margin function, gland health, tear film quality, and potential mite involvement. Checking how the meibomian glands express oil shows whether gland function is reduced or abnormal, which is central to meibomian gland dysfunction. Meibography then visualizes the glands themselves, revealing dropout or structural changes that reflect chronic lid disease. Using sodium fluorescein helps assess the tear film and ocular surface, highlighting tear break-up and lid-margin or surface staining that accompany inflammation. If collarettes around lash bases are observed, sampling the lashes (lash epilation) can uncover Demodex mites, a common contributor to blepharitis, guiding specific management.

Other tests like intraocular pressure, visual field testing, or gonioscopy and pachymetry address glaucoma risk, optic or corneal thickness issues, not lid-margin inflammation, so they aren’t part of the blepharitis workup.