Blepharitis is a common condition that causes swelling and irritation of the eyelids. It usually affects the edges of your eyelids where your eyelashes grow. Blepharitis can cause itching, burning, redness, crusting on the eyelids, and the feeling that something is in your eye.
If you have blepharitis, you might notice discomfort or pain in your eyes, which is often more noticeable in the morning. Although blepharitis can be frustrating and may persist for a long time, most people can manage their symptoms with daily care.
Permanent vision loss from blepharitis is uncommon when the condition is properly treated and promptly addressed.
Permanent vision loss from blepharitis is uncommon when the condition is properly treated and promptly addressed.
What Causes Blepharitis?
Blepharitis usually does not have just one cause. Instead, it often develops because several different factors can irritate the eyelids over time.
Common causes include:
Bacterial overgrowth
It is normal to have a small amount of bacteria on your eyelids. However, if these bacteria multiply excessively, they can irritate the edges of your eyelids and cause swelling.
It is normal to have a small amount of bacteria on your eyelids. However, if these bacteria multiply excessively, they can irritate the edges of your eyelids and cause swelling.
Blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction)
Your eyelids contain oil glands that help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. If these glands become blocked or fail to produce high-quality oil, your tears may not protect your eyes as well. This can lead to eyelid irritation and swelling.
Your eyelids contain oil glands that help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. If these glands become blocked or fail to produce high-quality oil, your tears may not protect your eyes as well. This can lead to eyelid irritation and swelling.
Skin conditions
Certain skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea, can also affect your eyelids. Having these conditions can increase your risk of developing blepharitis.
Certain skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea, can also affect your eyelids. Having these conditions can increase your risk of developing blepharitis.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to products like cosmetics, contact lens solutions, and eye drops, as well as environmental factors, can make eyelid swelling worse.
Allergic reactions to products like cosmetics, contact lens solutions, and eye drops, as well as environmental factors, can make eyelid swelling worse.
Demodex mites
Tiny mites called Demodex are commonly found on the skin. If too many of these mites are present around your eyelashes, they can cause irritation and swelling of the eyelids.
Tiny mites called Demodex are commonly found on the skin. If too many of these mites are present around your eyelashes, they can cause irritation and swelling of the eyelids.
Because there is often no single cause of blepharitis, the condition tends to persist and does not usually resolve after just one episode.
Blepharitis Symptoms
Blepharitis symptoms can come and go over time. Many people find that their symptoms are more noticeable or bothersome in the morning.
Common symptoms include:
- Itchy, burning, or irritated eyelids
- Red or swollen eyelid margins
- Crusts or flakes along the eyelashes
- Eyelids that feel greasy or sticky
- A gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes
- Dry eyes or excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision that often improves with blinking
- Recurrent styes or eyelid tenderness
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after basic care, you should have an eye exam. This can confirm if you have blepharitis and let your eye doctor check for other eye problems.
Eye Conditions Commonly Linked to Blepharitis
Blepharitis is often associated with other problems that affect the surface of the eye, including:
- Dry eye disease, caused by an unstable tear film
- Recurrent styes or chalazia, due to blocked oil glands
- Chronic conjunctivitis, with redness and irritation
- Corneal irritation, in more severe or untreated cases
Managing and treating blepharitis can help reduce your risk of developing these other eye problems.
How Blepharitis Is Diagnosed
Your eye doctor can usually diagnose blepharitis during a routine eye exam.
An eye doctor may:
- Review your symptoms and medical history.
- Examine the eyelids, eyelashes, and tear film.
- Use a slit-lamp microscope to examine the eyelid margins closely.
- Assess oil gland function.
- Occasionally, take a sample if infection or mites are suspected.
Your eye doctor will mainly diagnose blepharitis by looking closely at your eyelids during the exam and by checking your symptoms over time.
There is no cure for blepharitis, but most people can control their symptoms with regular care.
Daily eyelid hygiene (foundation of treatment)
Cleaning your eyelids every day helps remove excess oil, bacteria, and debris that accumulate along the eyelid edges. Using a warm compress before cleaning can soften the oils and make it easier to clean your eyelids well.
Artificial tears
Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help relieve dryness, burning, and irritation, especially if your natural tears are not working as well as they should.
Prescription treatments (when needed)
If symptoms are moderate or severe, an eye doctor may prescribe:
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Treatments targeting underlying conditions such as rosacea
Treating contributing factors
Managing related problems, such as dandruff, skin inflammation, or allergies, can help reduce the frequency of blepharitis flare-ups.
Blepharitis often recurs, so you may need to continue treatment even when your symptoms improve.
Does Poor Hygiene Cause Blepharitis?
Poor hygiene does not directly cause blepharitis. However, if you do not keep your eyelids clean, your symptoms may get worse and bacteria can build up along the eyelid margins.
Keeping your eyelids clean can help control swelling and prevent flare-ups. However, it is still possible to develop blepharitis even if you practice good eyelid hygiene.
How Long Does Blepharitis Last?
Blepharitis can affect each person differently.
- Some people notice improvement within a few weeks when they follow proper care routines.
- Other people may have symptoms that recur and require long-term care to control.
With regular treatment, most people can control their symptoms and keep their eyes comfortable over time.
When to See an Eye Doctor
You should see an eye doctor if you have:
- Persistent eyelid redness, itching, or burning
- Worsening eye pain or swelling
- Recurrent styes or eyelid lumps
- Blurred vision that does not improve
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Sensitivity to light or excessive tearing
If you have severe eye pain or sudden changes in your vision along with blepharitis symptoms, you should get medical care right away.
Blepharitis Explained by an Eye Doctor
Blepharitis is a common cause of long-term eyelid irritation and eye discomfort. It can be frustrating, but most people can manage their symptoms by following a daily care routine and seeing their eye doctor regularly.
If you notice the signs of blepharitis early, keep your eyelids clean every day, and see your eye doctor regularly, you can lower your symptoms and help protect your eyes and vision.
