What are characteristic symptoms of blepharitis?

Blepharitis is primarily characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margins, leading to specific symptoms that are noticeable upon examination. The correct answer reflects the appearance of the eyelids in individuals suffering from blepharitis, which commonly presents with crusted, erythematous, and swollen eyelids. This crusting can occur due to the accumulation of oils, debris, and possibly bacteria at the eyelid margins, often exacerbated by the presence of skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or staphylococcal infection.

The erythema (redness) is indicative of the inflammatory process, while swelling may result from increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in response to inflammation. These visible symptoms are critical in diagnosing blepharitis and differentiate it from other ocular conditions, informing appropriate management strategies.

In contrast, other symptoms such as watery eyes, itching, or a burning sensation may be experienced by patients, but they are not the hallmark physical manifestations that define this condition. Similarly, decreased vision is not a characteristic symptom of blepharitis; while impaired vision may occur in other ocular disorders, it is not directly associated with blepharitis itself. Thus, the answer highlighting crusted, erythematous, swollen eyelids