Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the edges (margins) of the eyelids and

usually causes itching and irritation. It usually affects both eyes and it can occur at any age.

Although blepharitis maybe uncomfortable, it is not a sight-threatening condition.

Symptoms may come and go. It is common to have flare ups or long periods with no symptoms

A disorder of the Meibomian (oil) glands at the edge of the eyelids: Normal tears of the eye

are made up of three layers - an oily (lipid) layer, a watery (aqueous) layer and a sticky

(mucous) layer.

There are Meibomian glands inside the eyelids with openings onto the edges of the eyelids (lid

margins) which naturally produce oil. This oil stops the watery element of the tear film from

drying out. At times the Meibomian glands become blocked; this leads to the tear film breaking

down and ‘evaporative’ dry eyes.

A build up of crusts around the eyelashes, which the body’s own bacteria reacts to: the

Meibomian glands may also produce excess oil which clogs the lashes causing skin disorders

such as acne rosacea, which leads to red and inflamed skin, and scalp dandruff

(seborrheic dermatitis).

Blepharitis may cause one or more of the following:

• Itchiness around the eyes

• Persistent irritation or ‘burning’ sensation

• Redness and swelling of the eyelid edges

• Tiny skin flakes on the eyelashes

• Crusting of the eyelids, especially in the morning

• Eyelid cysts / styes

• Sensation of ‘grit’ in the eye

• Redness of the eye