Blepharitis is a chronic or long term inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes. Among the most common causes of blepharitis are poor eyelid hygiene, excessive oil produced by the glands in the eyelid, a bacterial infection (often staphylococcal) or an allergic reaction. There are two types of blepharitis:
- Seborrheic blepharitis is often associated with dandruff of the scalp or skin conditions like acne. It can appear as greasy flakes or scales around the base of the eyelashes and a mild redness of the eyelid. It may also result in a roughness of the normally smooth tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid.
- Ulcerative blepharitis is less common, but more serious. It is characterized by matted, hard crusts around the eyelashes which, when removed, leave small sores that ooze or bleed. There may also be a loss of eyelashes, distortion of the front edges of the eyelids and chronic tearing. In severe cases, the cornea (the transparent front covering of the eyeball) may also become inflamed.
In many cases, good eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine — especially when you first wake up — may control blepharitis. This includes frequent scalp and face washing, warm soaks of the eyelids and eyelid scrubs. In cases where bacterial infection is a cause, eyelid hygiene may be combined with antibiotics and other medications. If you experience symptoms of blepharitis, your optometrist can determine the cause and recommend the right combination of treatments specifically for you.