Blepharitis is a common form of inflammation of the eyelids, especially for people who tend to have dandruff or oily skin. Blepharitis can occur in both eyes and usually begins along either the upper or lower edge, at the base of your eyelashes. It is a chronic condition in some people and is inconvenient, uncomfortable, and unsightly. Understanding why blepharitis occurs and how symptoms are managed can help you avoid unnecessary discomfort.*

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Blepharitis can manifest in several ways, and symptoms are generally worse in the morning when you first wake up.

Symptoms can include:

• Red, watery eyes
• Gritty, burning, or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Eyelids that appear greasy
• Red, swollen, and/or itchy eyelids
• Flaking of the skin around the eyes
• Crusted eyelashes and eyelids sticking together
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision that can improve with blinking

What causes blepharitis?

The exact cause of blepharitis isn’t clear, but it may be associated with one or more of the following:

• Allergies, to eye medications, contact lens solutions, or eye makeup
• Excessive bacteria on your skin
• Clogged oil glands in your eyelids
• Dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic dermatitis)
• Dry eyes
• Eyelash mites
• Infection
• Rosacea 

In some cases, blepharitis can spread from one person to another.

How is blepharitis treated?

While there is no cure for blepharitis, the following are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms:

• Warm, damp compresses
• Eyelid scrubs 
• Oral and topical antibiotics (always to be applied with clean, or freshly washed, hands)
• Eye drops or artificial tears 

Your ophthalmologist can also use an electronic device to unclog the oil glands in your eyelids with a combination of heat and massage. 

Keeping your eyelids, skin, and hair clean goes a long way toward managing your blepharitis symptoms and is the best way to prevent them from occurring. Some experts recommend:

• Gently washing your eyelashes daily with baby shampoo diluted in warm water
• Washing your hair, scalp, and eyebrows with an antibacterial shampoo

You can also ask your doctor about antiseptic sprays you can use on your skin to reduce bacteria growth. 

What complications can blepharitis cause?

Blepharitis can result in several complications, some more serious than others, such as:

• Eyelashes that fall out, grow abnormally, or lose color 
• Scarring on your eyelids (from long-term blepharitis)
• Eyelid edges that turn inward or outward.
• Excess tearing or dry eyes
• A painful lump (sty) on the edge of your eyelid, resulting from infection
• An inflamed oil gland (chalazion), causing your eyelid to redden and swell
• Chronic pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Injury to your cornea from inflamed eyelids or misdirected eyelashes (as dry eyes can increase your risk of corneal infection)

More information on blepharitis can be found on the Mayo Clinic and Review of Optometry websites.

*Boyd, K. (2020, Dec. 1). What Is Blepharitis? American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-blepharitis