Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common, long-term condition in which the eyelids become inflamed, causing red, itchy, irritated eyelid margins. It's usually chronic — comes and goes over years — but rarely causes permanent damage if managed well. It's not contagious.

Types

• Anterior blepharitis — affects the front of the eyelid, usually around the eyelashes. Often caused by bacteria (staphylococci) or dandruff of the scalp/eyebrows (seborrhoeic dermatitis)
• Posterior blepharitis — affects the inner part of the lid where meibomian glands open. Often associated with dry eye, rosacea, and MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction)

Symptoms

• Red, swollen, itchy eyelids
• Burning or stinging eyes
• Crusts or flakes on the eyelashes, especially in the morning
• Sticky eyelids on waking
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling of grit or a foreign body in the eye
• Eyelashes that fall out or grow in odd directions
• Recurrent styes or chalazions

Treatment — mostly self-care

There's no permanent cure, but consistent daily care keeps symptoms manageable:

• Warm compresses — a clean, warm washcloth over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes, once or twice a day. Loosens crusts and unblocks meibomian glands.
• Eyelid hygiene — gently scrub the lid margins with diluted baby shampoo, or a commercial eyelid cleanser, using a cotton bud or clean cloth
• Artificial tears — for dry-eye symptoms
• Treat contributing conditions — scalp dandruff (medicated shampoo), rosacea, allergies

When to see a doctor

• Symptoms don't improve after 2-4 weeks of home care
• Significant pain
• Vision changes
• Severe redness, discharge, or swelling
• Recurrent styes or chalazions

For stubborn cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics, short courses of topical steroids, or — for posterior blepharitis with meibomian gland dysfunction — specialised in-clinic treatments.