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Inflammation of the eyelids, known as blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelids, known as blepharitis

11 February 2022

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Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. These may become red, swollen, burn, or sore. Your eyelids may also have oily particles (crusts) around the base of your lashes. Blepharitis is a common condition, especially in people with oily skin, dandruff, or rosacea.

There are several possible causes:

  • Bacterial infection of the eyelid
  • Functional disorder of the sebaceous glands, called Meibomian glands
  • Dry Eye
  • Fungal infection of the eyelids
  • Parasites (Demodex mites on the eyelids)

Blepharitis and dry eye often occur together, leading to confusion about whether dry eye causes blepharitis or whether blepharitis causes dry eye.

The most common symptoms of blepharitis are:

  • Burning and stinging eyes
  • Crusting or dandruff at the base of the eyelashes
  • Irritated and watery eyes
  • Itchy eyelids
  • Sensation of grit or foreign body in the eye

Depending on the severity of the condition, you may experience some or all of these symptoms, which may be intermittent or continuous. In some cases, it can also cause eyelashes to fall out (madarosis). Blepharitis is a common cause of discomfort for contact lens wear, forcing many people to stop wearing them.

Treatment of blepharitis

It is important to determine the cause of blepharitis to start with the appropriate treatment, so it should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

  • Gently rubbing the eyelids removes excess bacteria from the edges of the eyelids. Your ophthalmologist will most likely recommend daily warm compresses to your eyelids to cleanse your eyelids and reduce the number of bacteria and Demodex mites.
  • If home treatment is helpful, in-office eyelid hygiene procedures are often recommended.
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