What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It usually affects the edges (margins) of the eyelids. It is not usually serious, but may become an uncomfortable, irritating problem. Blepharitis is typically chronic (persistent). Both eyes are usually affected.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?What causes blepharitis?
The exact cause is not known. It tends to 'flare-up' and then ease off in severity. If you have blepharitis, you are likely to always have a tendency to have it. Sometimes a 'vicious cycle' may play a part. For example, your eyelids may become slightly inflamed and itchy. You may then rub them - which makes the inflammation worse. This in turn can lead to your eyelids becoming sore. You may then keep rubbing them further, which leads to more inflammation, and so on.
What is the treatment for blepharitis?
There is no one-off cure as the inflammation tends to recur. However, symptoms can usually be eased with regular treatment.
Regular eyelid hygiene
This is the most important part of treatment and prevention.
You should do the above routine at least twice a day until symptoms settle. When the symptoms have gone, keep doing this routine once a day, every day, to prevent further flare-ups.
Antibiotic treatments
Antibiotic eye ointment or drops may be advised for a while if an eyelid becomes infected. If you are prescribed ointment, place it on the edge of the eyelid (not the eye) after cleaning the eyelid in the way described above. You may need a course for up to a month or so until the inflammation has gone completely.
Rarely, antibiotic tablets are needed if antibiotic ointment or drops do not clear an infection.
Artificial tear eye drops
These will help if you develop dry eyes. See separate leaflet called 'Dry Eyes' for details.
Treating associated conditions
A condition called seborrhoeic dermatitis is associated with blepharitis. This is a skin condition which is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast in the skin. Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes bad dandruff and sometimes a rash, commonly on the face and upper body. It can usually be treated easily by using an anti-yeast shampoo. If you have seborrhoeic dermatitis, treating it may improve the blepharitis too. See separate leaflet called 'Seborrhoeic Dermatitis in Adults' for details.
Other skin conditions of the face such as eczema and rosacea may also make blepharitis worse. If you have these other conditions, if possible, treatment may also help to ease blepharitis.
Try not to rub your eyelids
Rubbing your eyelids may make inflammation worse.