There Are Two Main Forms of Blepharitis:
- Anterior blepharitis – affects the outside front edge of the eyelid, at the level of the eyelashes
- Posterior blepharitis – this is an old fashion term that refers to a condition that we now call Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which is when the oil-producing glands are not functioning properly. The use of the term ‘Blepharitis’ is not consistent and is still used by some to describe MGD or posterior blepharitis. In our centre, we use the term ‘blepharitis’ when referring to Anterior Blepharitis.
Anterior blepharitis itself has several sub-types. While blepharitis is not usually sight-threatening, it can significantly impact daily comfort, vision quality, and eye health if left untreated. Early assessment is important to reduce flare-ups, manage symptoms, and prevent complications such as chronic irritation or infection.
Blepharitis can affect people of all ages but is more common in adults. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms rather than a one-time cure, but with the right care plan, most people experience long-term relief.
Common Symptoms of Blepharitis
The symptoms for blepharitis can vary depending on the type and severity, but they are often persistent and tend to flare up over time. Many people first notice discomfort along the eyelid margins, especially on waking.
Blepharitis commonly affects people who already suffer from dry eye, skin conditions, or recurrent eye irritation. Symptoms may seem mild at first but can worsen without proper treatment and ongoing care.
Common symptoms include:
Red, swollen, or irritated eyelids
Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations in the eyes
Crusty flakes or dandruff-like debris at the base of the eyelashes
Itchy eyelids
Watery eyes or excessive tearing
Dry, sore, or tired-feeling eyes
Blurry vision that improves with blinking
Eyelashes that stick together
Eyelash loss
Types of Blepharitis
There are several blepharitis types, each with distinct causes and characteristics:
Bacterial (Staphylococcal) Blepharitis
Caused by over-population of bacteria that is normally found on the skin. Key differentiators include redness, irritation, and flaky debris around the lashes.
Seborrhoeic Blepharitis
Associated with oily skin and dandruff (seborrhoeic dermatitis). Symptoms include greasy flakes on the eyelids and eyebrows with less redness than bacterial forms.
Ulcerative Blepharitis
Severe form of blepharitis typically caused by bacterial infection, often when treatment is delayed. Painful ulceration and crusting occurs at the base of the lashes at the lid margins.
Demodex Blepharitis
Caused by over-population of microscopic demodex mites. It can lead to inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease.
How to Prevent Blepharitis
While blepharitis cannot always be fully prevented, flare-ups can often be reduced with consistent habits:
- Maintain good eyelid hygiene with regular lid cleaning
- Remove eye makeup thoroughly each day
- Avoid sharing eye cosmetics
- Replace makeup regularly
- Manage underlying skin conditions
- Follow a dry eye management routine if recommended
Early intervention and regular care are key to preventing symptoms from becoming chronic.
Blepharitis Assessments & Treatments
At Dry Eye Centre, we offer comprehensive assessments to identify the type and severity of blepharitis and tailor treatment accordingly. We perform a detailed eyelid and lash examination as part of the thorough examination in addition to the examination of your tear film and meibomian gland evaluation.
We use imaging techniques to help us gain a better understanding of your condition and also serves to track the treatment effects.
Our goal is to relieve symptoms, improve comfort, and help you regain confidence in your eye health.
Based on your results, treatment options may include:
Professional eyelid hygiene treatment
Use of medication to reduce infection and inflammation
Use of light therapy to reduce bacterial load
Use of light therapy to reduce lid margin inflammation
Tailored recommendation of ongoing treatment
Ongoing management plans to reduce flare-ups
Blepharitis FAQs
There is no single cure, but symptoms can be well controlled with the right treatment plan.
Yes, when chronic, blepharitis is often linked to lid margin inflammation and dry eye disease which can affect the tear film quality and health of the cornea.
Symptoms can improve significantly with treatment, but blepharitis often requires ongoing management to prevent recurrence.
Blepharitis is usually managed rather than permanently eliminated. Regular eyelid hygiene and professional treatment can control symptoms effectively.
Mild symptoms may improve within weeks, but long-term management is often needed for lasting relief.
No, blepharitis is not contagious. It cannot be passed from person to person.
There is no single cure, but symptoms can be well controlled with the right treatment plan.
Yes, when chronic, blepharitis is often linked to lid margin inflammation and dry eye disease which can affect the tear film quality and health of the cornea.
Symptoms can improve significantly with treatment, but blepharitis often requires ongoing management to prevent recurrence.
Blepharitis is usually managed rather than permanently eliminated. Regular eyelid hygiene and professional treatment can control symptoms effectively.
Mild symptoms may improve within weeks, but long-term management is often needed for lasting relief.
No, blepharitis is not contagious. It cannot be passed from person to person.