Selenium (Selsun) in the Treatment of Marginal Blepharitis

INTRODUCTION The widespread prevalence of blepharitis marginalis, described by Duke-Elder¹as "a subacute or chronic inflammation of the margins of the lids," is well known. Its etiology is both complex and manifold and has not been conclusively defined. Classically, this condition can be divided into two broad categories: (1) simple squamous blepharitis and (2) ulcerative blepharitis. The first reflects hyperemia, congestion, and edema of the lid margins with a consequent scaling of the lids. The latter involves the ciliary follicles and associated sebaceous glands of Zeis and sweat glands of Moll. At first, suppurative abscesses develop intrafollicularly, followed by more extensive destructive inflammation and subsequent scarring. The usual complications which follow include chronic conjunctivitis, hordeolum, chalazion, ectropion, entropion, trichiasis, and keratitis. The principal causes to which blepharitis has been attributed * may be classified as those stemming from (1) predisposing factors, including eyestrain, metabolic disorder, vitamin deficiency, and heredity; (2)