Lid margin disease (blepharitis)

Eye Care Instructions for
Lid Margin Disease (Blepharitis)

 

What is lid margin disease/blepharitis?
Lid margin disease, or blepharitis (say blef-ur-eye-tis), is a very common condition that causes irritation in the outer edge of the eyelids or eyelash area. There are 2 types of blepharitis:

• “Dandruff” or infection of the eyelashes (seborrhea)
• Irrigation or clogging of the oil glands (meibomian glands) seen in Acne rosacea

What causes blepharitis?

• Blepharitis on the outside edge of the eyelid (anterior blepharitis) is mostly caused by an infection in the eyelash follicle or by scalp dandruff.
• Posterior blepharitis, inside the eyelid, mostly occurs when eyelid oil glands get clogged. Acne rosacea and scalp dandruff are common causes of blocked oil glands.

What does blepharitis look or feel like?
Blepharitis may cause

• Swollen or red eyelids
• Burning, stinging, or itchy eyelids
• Blurry vision that comes and goes
• Scales or skin flakes at the bottom of the eyelashes
• “Sleep” in your eye, making your lids stick together in the morning
• A gritty feeling or a feeling that something is in your eye

How is blepharitis treated?
Mild blepharitis may be treated by washing the eyelids every morning with a warm compress or a lid scrub. More severe blepharitis may require a prescription medicine, such as an antibiotic or steroid eyedrops. To prevent blepharitis from worsening into a sty, dry eye, or other problems, follow your doctor’s treatment advice.