Blepharitis

Blepharitis is the medical name for inflammation of your eyelids. It happens when something irritates the skin on your eyelids, or the tissue under the surface.

Skin conditions, infections and blocked oil glands can all cause blepharitis. The skin around your eyes is very sensitive. So, one cause might lead to another at the same time. Blepharitis usually affects both eyes at the same time, but not always.

Visit a healthcare provider if you notice swelling or changes in your eyelids or the skin around your eyes — especially if it affects your vision. Blepharitis is treatable, but it can share symptoms with more serious issues. It’s important to get the cause diagnosed.

Types of blepharitis

There are two types of blepharitis:

• Anterior blepharitis is when the inflammation affects the outer front of your eyelid, where your eyelashes start.
• Posterior blepharitis is when the inflammation affects the inside of your eyelid.

Your provider may also say that you have acute or chronic blepharitis:

• Acute blepharitis comes on quickly and doesn’t usually come back after you treat it.
• Chronic blepharitis lasts a long time and may come and go. Symptoms can get better before coming back later.

Blepharitis symptoms

There are several signs and symptoms of blepharitis, including:

• Swollen eyelid
• Discolored or darkened skin on or around your eyelid
• Flakes of skin, like dandruff, collecting around your eye and eyelid
• Crusting in your eyelashes or at the corners of your eye
• Greasy or unusually oily eyelid
• Eyelashes pointing toward your eye instead of away from it (trichiasis)

Blepharitis can cause issues that don’t directly affect your eyelids, too. You might notice:

• Dry eyes, or overly watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• Loss of eyelashes

Blepharitis causes

Skin conditions, infections and issues with your meibomian glands can all cause blepharitis.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Rosacea
• Allergies
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Bacterial or viral infections
• Mites in your eyelashes
• Meibomian gland dysfunction

Risk factors

Anyone can experience blepharitis. You may be more likely to if you:

• Wear contacts
• Work or live in dry air, including spending a lot of time in air conditioning
• Have oily skin
• Don’t remove your makeup before going to bed
• Have diabetes or a condition that affects your hormones

Blepharitis complications

It’s rare to have complications from blepharitis. But if blepharitis isn’t treated, it can increase your risk of other eye conditions, like:

• Chalazions
• Corneal ulcers
• Pink eye
• Styes

How doctors diagnose blepharitis

A healthcare provider can diagnose blepharitis with a physical exam. They’ll examine your skin and eyes. Tell them when you first noticed symptoms, and how quickly they developed.

Talk to your provider about any allergies you have, or if you’ve started a new medication or supplement recently. They might ask if you’ve started using new cosmetics or skin care products.

Your provider might use some tests to diagnose infections or mites. They might take a sample of your tears or eyelashes.

Blepharitis treatments

Your healthcare provider will suggest ways to manage blepharitis symptoms and treat the cause. Common blepharitis treatments include:

• Warm compresses: A warm, damp washcloth can soften crusting and make it easier to clean extra oil away. This will also help soften and liquify oil that’s trapped in your meibomian glands. The oil stops your tears from evaporating too fast. Don’t rub your eyes or scrub hard. Instead, gently wipe your eyelids.
• Avoiding cosmetics: Take a break from putting makeup on or around your eyelids. This will help you keep your eyelids clean and avoid more irritation.
• Eyelid scrubs: You can buy over-the-counter wipes, foams and cleansers specifically made for blepharitis. You can also use gentle soaps, like baby shampoo or other mild face washes.
• Omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids may help the glands in your eyes work better. Leafy green vegetables, fish and flax oil are all good sources of these nutrients. You may need an omega-3 supplement. But don’t start taking any supplements without talking to your provider first.
• Prescription medications: Your provider might suggest antibiotic ointments or eyedrops if you have an infection. They might prescribe steroids or anti-inflammatory medicine, too.
• Treatments for a specific cause: Your provider will suggest treatments to manage another health condition that’s causing inflammation or irritation in your eyelids.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Visit a healthcare provider if blepharitis symptoms last for more than a few days after trying at-home treatments. See a provider right away if your vision changes, especially if it happens quickly.

What can I expect if I have blepharitis?

Blepharitis symptoms should start getting better soon after you begin treatment. Acute blepharitis may go away quickly after you treat the cause, usually in a week or two.

Chronic blepharitis will last longer, even after treatment. It’s usually caused by a condition that you can’t cure, like rosacea. The symptoms will improve, then go away. But there’s always a chance they could come back again in the future.

Your healthcare provider will tell you what to expect based on your unique circumstances.