Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids and eyelash follicles that can be caused by:
Symptoms associated with blepharitis include:
In more serious cases, the eyelashes may fall out and sores may form on the eyelid. Complications can arise from blepharitis such as the infection spreading to the cornea as well as the formation of a chalazion or stye.
Treatment of blepharitis is usually limited to maintaining better hygiene around the eyelids. This may include some topical antibiotics and cessation of makeup use, but in many cases, gentle cleansing of the area is all that is needed. Warm compresses can also help to lessen the symptoms and soothe the eye’s discomfort. Blepharitis can be treated with a combination antibiotic/steroid eye drop and a low dose of oral antibiotics when flare-ups occur.