Blepharitis is a common inflammation of the eyelids. It can make eyelids red and eyelashes crusty and make your eyes feel irritated or itchy. It can also lead to burning, soreness or stinging in your eyes. In severe cases, your lashes may fall out, and you can develop small ulcers or styes/chalazia as well. You may find your eyelids become puffy. The symptoms tend to be worse in the morning and when you wake up you may find your lids are stuck together. 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. You may need to do this for several months.
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 staphylococcus bacteria.
Posterior blepharitis: This is also called Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is caused when something affects the inside rim of your eyelids, just behind your eyelashes, which contains your Meibomian glands. Your Meibomian glands produce part of your tears. You may also get blepharitis as a complication of seborrhoeic dermatitis, which makes your skin inflamed or flaky. This can involve the scalp (when it is called dandruff), lashes, ears and eyebrows.
Who is at risk of blepharitis?
Blepharitis is more common in people aged over 50, but it can develop at any age. As you get older, the glands in your eyelids that secrete part of your tears become blocked more easily. Your tears contain fewer lubricants and your eyes can feel gritty and dry, so blepharitis tend to happen more in older people. Moreover pollution, smoking, air conditioning, dietary imbalance are also considered as causes of blepharitis.
How should I look after my eyes if I have blepharitis?
It is possible to make your eyes more comfortable, but blepharitis often cannot be totally cured. If you have blepharitis, avoid smoky atmospheres. There are treatments which can help you reduce the effects of blepharitis. You may need the treatment for several months. Most treatment regimens include applying warm compresses to the upper and lower eyelids for five to ten minutes at least once a day. This treatment is followed by eyelid hygiene that involves using a special product to cleanse the eyelid margins and then artificial tear drops to lubricate the eyes. These procedures help to control the build-up of oils and bacteria at the eyelid margins.
