Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids

It can be uncomfortable, and may also cause redness, itching, burning or stinging in the affected area

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids

It can be uncomfortable, and may also cause redness, itching, burning or stinging in the affected area

If you have blepharitis it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible

The symptoms are often mild to begin with, but if left untreated they can become more severe over time.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Sufferers will notice their eyelids become red, irritated and itchy and dandruff-like scales form on the eyelashes. It is a common eye disorder caused by either bacteria or a skin condition, such as dandruff of the scalp or rosacea. It affects people of all ages.

Although uncomfortable, blepharitis is usually not contagious and generally does not cause any permanent damage to eyesight.

Blepharitis is classified into two types:

  1. Anterior blepharitis occurs at the outside front edge of the eyelid, where the eyelashes attach.
  2. Posterior blepharitis affects the inner edge of the eyelid that touches the eyeball.

People with blepharitis may experience a burning or gritty sensation, tearing, red eyes, itchy swollen eyelids or crusting of the eyelids.

Blepharitis can be either mild with minimal symptoms, or severe, leading to blurred vision, missing or misdirected eyelashes, and inflammation of the cornea (clear front window of the eye). It might also lead to secondary infection by rubbing the affected area.

In many cases, good hygiene can help control blepharitis. This includes frequently washing the scalp and face, using warm compresses to soak the eyelids and scrubbing the eyelids. When a bacterial infection is causing or accompanies blepharitis, antibiotics and other medications may be prescribed.

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Symptoms of either form of blepharitis include:

  • Foreign body or burning sensation
  • Excessive tearing
  • Itching
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Red and swollen eyelids
  • Redness of the eye
  • Blurred vision
  • Frothy tears
  • Dry eye
  • Crusting of the eyelashes on awakening

Anterior blepharitis is commonly caused by bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). The lid area is affected when this bacteria becomes excessive, leading to infection.

Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid (the moist part that makes contact with the eye). It is caused by problems with the oil (meibomian) glands in this part of the eyelid.

Two skin disorders can cause this form of blepharitis: acne rosacea, which leads to red and inflamed skin, and scalp dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).

We can diagnose blepharitis through a comprehensive eye examination. We will perform tests that focus on the eyelids and the front surface of the eyeball.

We also take a medical history to determine any symptoms you may be experiencing and any general health problems which could be contributing to the eye problem.

Treatment depends on the type of blepharitis in question. Treatment will vary depending on the type and severity.

The key to treating most types of blepharitis is keeping the lids clean and free of crusts.

Applying warm compresses can loosen the crusts. Then gently scrub the eyelids with a mixture of water and baby shampoo or an over-the-counter lid-cleansing product.

In cases involving bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed.

Some other instructions might be helpful like using artificial tear solutions or lubricating ointments, if prescribed, using anti-dandruff shampoo on the scalp, limiting or stopping the use of eye makeup during treatment, as it makes lid hygiene more difficult.

Some blepharitis cases may require more complex treatment plans. Blepharitis is mostly chronic with som​​e patients. And it’s worth noting that even with successful treatment, blepharitis may reoccur.

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