Blepharitis is a very common eyelid condition that affects many people of all ages^1^. It can result in the eyelids becoming inflamed, swollen or infected^1^. It can vary in severity, however it is generally not serious, or sight threatening^1^. Neither is it contagious^1^; in fact, some people won’t be aware they have it at all as they may not be symptomatic^1^.
Once diagnosed, the eyes will need regular management of the condition to avoid flare ups, as a one-off treatment option does not exist^1^.
The most common types of blepharitis are^2^:
• Anterior blepharitis - affects the outside of the eyelid and the lashes (Fig. 1)
• Posterior blepharitis - affects the moist inner edge of the lid margin that is in contact with the eye (Fig. 1)
Anterior blepharitis is caused either by bacteria known as staphylococcus or a skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis^2^. Posterior blepharitis affects the oil glands within the eyelid (Meibomian glands) and is associated with skin conditions such as acne rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis^2^.
It is quite normal to have a combination of anterior and posterior blepharitis.
Symptoms will vary greatly from none at all to quite severe. These include^2^:
• Debris/crusting of the eyelashes
• Sticky lashes
• Difficulty in opening eyes in the morning
• Itchy eyes
• Sore/red eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Gritty feeling
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Abnormal eyelash growth
• Loss of lashes (most severe cases)
Symptoms are often worse in the morning and generally both eyes are affected at the same time, but again, this can vary from eye to eye^2^. Complications that can occur as a result of blepharitis are dry eye, Meibomian cysts, styes and conjunctivitis^3^.
In its milder forms, blepharitis can be controlled with a daily cleansing routine to keep the lids, lid margins and lashes as clean as possible^1^. Your eye care practitioner will be able to advise when and how often to repeat the routine.
It involves 3 steps^4^:
In more severe cases, you may need antibiotics either in ointment form or oral tablets.
1. Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS. Blepharitis. Available at: [http://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/condition/blepharitis-0]
2. NHS. Blepharitis. (2016) Available at: [http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Blepharitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx]
3. NHS. Blepharitis – Complications. (2016) Available at: [http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Blepharitis/Pages/Complications.aspx]
4. NHS. Blepharitis – Treatment. (2016) Available at: [http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Blepharitis/Pages/Treatment.aspx]
Select an Age Group