Harvard Health A-Z

Blepharitis

What Is It?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that involves the edges of the eyelids and eyelash hair follicles. Blepharitis is a common and sometimes long-lasting condition that usual affects adults, but also can occur in children. People with skin conditions such as rosacea, seborrhea, oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes are more likely to get this condition. Blepharitis can be triggered by bacterial infections or by the eyelid glands making too much oil. This condition is not contagious.

Symptoms

The symptoms of blepharitis can include any or all of the following:

• Mucus at the corner of the eyes when you wake up

• Upper and lower eyelids that appear greasy

• A crust that clings to the lashes

• Itching

• Burning

• A feeling that something is in your eye when you blink

• Red and swollen eyes

• Missing lashes or lashes that turn inward

• Irritation or breakdown of the skin along the edges of the eyelids

• Excessive tears

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose blepharitis based on your symptoms and a physical examination.

Expected Duration

Blepharitis is a chronic (long-lasting) condition and is difficult to cure permanently. In most cases, however, the right treatment reduces the symptoms and controls the condition. In addition, symptoms can change over time and disappear for extended periods ? months or years ? before returning.

Prevention

Good eyelid hygiene can help to prevent blepharitis and usually can control the condition if you have it.

Treatment

The key treatment for blepharitis is good eyelid hygiene. The following cleansing regimen is recommended twice daily, in the morning and the evening. Once the condition is under control, you can do this cleaning less often. However, you should resume twice-daily cleaning if the symptoms return. To clean your eyelids:

• Loosen crusts and oil debris by placing a clean washcloth dampened with warm water over closed lids for five minutes.

• Create a cleaning solution by mixing three drops of baby shampoo with two or three ounces of warm water.

• Moisten a washcloth or cotton swab with the cleaning solution and rub the base of the eyelashes to remove loosened skin and crusts.

• Rinse the lids with warm water and pat gently with a clean, dry towel.

If the condition does not improve with cleaning alone, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic pills or ointment, or steroid eye drops.

When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor if you develop:

• Irritated eyelids or skin around the eyes

• Red, irritated eyes

• Frequent crusting around the lids

• A sensation that something is in the eye

• Ongoing symptoms despite appropriate treatment

Prognosis

Most cases of blepharitis improve promptly once the appropriate treatment is started. Often treatment must be continued for a long time or repeated from time to time. Blepharitis does not cause permanent damage to sight.

Additional Info

American Optometric Association243 North Lindbergh Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63141Phone: (314) 991-4100Fax: (314) 991-4101http://www.aoanet.org/

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