What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of your eyelids. It can make your eyelids red, your eyelashes crusty and your eyes may feel irritated or sore. It can also lead to burning, itching or stinging in your eyes.

The condition is not usually serious, but can lead to other problems, such as styes, ulcers and conjunctivitis if it’s not treated. You may find your eyelids become puffy. In most cases blepharitis cannot be fully cured.

Blepharitis is a chronic (long-term) condition. This means that once you have had it, it can come back even after it has cleared up. It normally affects both eyes. You can usually treat it by keeping your eyelids clean on an ongoing basis.

Why do I get blepharitis?

There are two types of blepharitis.

• Anterior blepharitis – this affects the outside front edge of your eyelids (near or among your eyelashes). It may be caused by bacteria called staphylococcus.

   

• Posterior blepharitis – this is also called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

   

Sometimes, anterior blepharitis and MGD occur together. This is called mixed blepharitis.

(Image diagram points to: blocked glands, scaling, blocked glands)

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Managing blepharitis

1. Warm compresses

These work by melting the blocked material in the meibomian glands and loosening the crusts on the eyelid. Warm compresses come in a variety of forms, such as a warming pad or pack that heats in the microwave.

Warm compresses can be made at home – soak a clean flannel, cotton-wool ball or something similar in hot (not boiling) water and squeeze off the excess.

Whichever warm compress you use, place it on the edge of your closed eyelids for around five minutes. While on the eyelids, gently rock or massage the warm compress.

2. Lid cleaning

There are different lid cleaning options to remove the crusts from the eyelashes. Your optometrist can advise you on which option is suitable for you.

Gently clean the edges of your eyelids near your lashes. Wipe from the inside (near your nose) to the outside corner of your eye. Repeat this twice a day at first and reduce this to once a day as the condition improves.

You may need special lid cleaning treatments to help remove crusts or infestations from the lids and eyelashes. Your eye doctor will tell you if these are suitable for you.