Blepharitis

Blepharitis is when the edges of your eyelids are inflamed. This means they become red, swollen and irritated. It often affects both eyes and can affect different parts of the eyelids. 

Blepharitis is often a long term condition — it can get better, then symptoms recur (come back). Regular treatment usually helps manage symptoms.

The most common symptoms of blepharitis are redness and swelling on the edges of your eyelids. Other symptoms include:

• feeling like something is in your eye
• crusty or sticky eyelashes
• dry or itchy eyes and eyelids
• thick scales or redness at the edges of your eyelid
• blurred vision
• watery or frothy tears

You may also feel the need to blink frequently or have sensitivity to light.

The most common cause of blepharitis is a bacterial infection that affects the base of your eyelashes or the glands in your eyelids.
Other causes include:

• viral infections — such as herpes simplex
• allergies — for example to pollen, eye makeup or eye drops
• parasite infections — such as Demodex mites, which are more common in people with chronic blepharitis
• skin problems — such as dermatitis, dandruff or rosacea (skin redness)
• blocked oil glands at the edge of the eyelids — this can be caused by seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea

See your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few days of self-care.

Your doctor may take a swab from your eyelid so they can identify the cause of your symptoms and suggest an effective treatment.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and check your eyes. Your doctor may refer you to an eye specialist known as an ophthalmologist.

If your doctor has diagnosed blepharitis, there are things you can do at home to relieve your symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine to treat blepharitis.

Blepharitis is often an ongoing condition. Symptoms might come back. Regular, long-term eyecare usually helps to control the symptoms.

Self care

To treat blepharitis at home, eye hygiene is important. Here's how you can clean your eyes:

1. Wash your hands well.
2. Clean one eye at a time.
3. Use a warm, warm, damp compress (such as a clean face cloth or make-up pad) on your closed eye and rub your eyelid gently for around 2 minutes.
4. You can also mix a few drops of baby shampoo with half a cup of warm water, dip a cotton ball in the solution, and gently rub it over your closed eyelid and lashes.
5. Rinse your eyelid with warm water and dry it gently.
6. Repeat the steps for the other eye using a clean cloth or cotton pad.
7. Clean your eyelids twice a day for 3 to 4 weeks until symptoms get better, then twice a week to keep them clean.

If symptoms return (flare up), clean daily again.[

Blepharitis symptoms can return, even after it has been treated. Eyelid care may be required long term. Always talk to your doctor to ask about the best treatment plan for you.

If your doctor or pharmacist has identified Demodex mites as the cause of your blepharitis, you can try applying a small amount of Vaseline ointment. This stops the Demodex from moving around and causing itch.

You can also ask your pharmacist or doctor about eyelid cleaners.

Avoid using contact lenses and eye make-up during treatment, as they can worsen blepharitis.

Medicines

If your doctor suspects an infection, they may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Antibiotic tablets or liquid may help in severe cases.

They may also recommend lubricating drops or ointments to treat dry eyes.

You may need to continue treatment for weeks or months. 

Blepharitis can cause other conditions such as:

• a stye
• a chalazion — a cyst (bump) on the eyelid which isn’t painful
• dry eyes
• conjunctivitis

Talk to your doctor for advice and a treatment plan for these conditions.

Taking steps to prevent blepharitis can help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

• Clean your eyelids regularly and avoid touching your eyes.
• Treat skin problems such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
• Avoid things that can trigger your symptoms, such as certain eye drops, eye makeup or pollen.
• Use skin care and makeup products that do not irritate your skin or eyes.
• Follow your optometrist's instructions for inserting, wearing and storing your contact lenses. 

Visit The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (Opens in new tab) for more information on eye conditions (Opens in new tab) such as blepharitis (Opens in new tab).

Read the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (Opens in new tab) information page on blepharitis (Opens in new tab).

Learn more about self-care by visiting the Sydney Eye Hospital blepharitis fact sheet (Opens in new tab).