What Is Blepharitis? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
What Is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelid margins, where your eyelashes grow. It can affect people of all ages and is one of the most frequent causes of irritated, red and uncomfortable eyes.
Although blepharitis is rarely sight-threatening, it can become a chronic condition if left untreated and is often closely linked with dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Many people don't realise that treating the eyelids is often just as important as treating the eyes themselves.
What Are the Symptoms of Blepharitis?
Blepharitis symptoms can vary from person to person but commonly include:
Red eyelids
Itchy eyelids
Burning or stinging eyes
Gritty or sandy sensation
Watery eyes
Crusting around the eyelashes, particularly on waking
Flakes around the eyelashes
Light sensitivity
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Contact lens discomfort
Symptoms often fluctuate and may be worse first thing in the morning or after prolonged screen use.
What Causes Blepharitis?
There isn't a single cause of blepharitis. Instead, it usually develops because of one or more underlying problems.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
The meibomian glands produce the oil layer of your tears.
If these glands become blocked, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to dry eye symptoms and inflammation along the eyelid margin.
Bacteria
Everyone naturally has bacteria living on their skin and eyelids.
When bacteria build up excessively, they can contribute to irritation and inflammation.
Demodex Mites
Tiny mites called Demodex naturally live within our eyelashes.
In some people, they multiply excessively, causing irritation, inflammation and persistent blepharitis.
Collarettes (cylindrical dandruff around the base of the eyelashes) are a common sign of Demodex infestation.
Skin Conditions
People with conditions such as:
Rosacea
Seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff)
Eczema
are more likely to develop blepharitis.
Is Blepharitis Linked to Dry Eye?
Yes.
Blepharitis and dry eye disease often occur together.
Inflammation around the eyelids can affect the function of the meibomian glands, reducing the quality of the oil layer of the tear film.
Without enough healthy oil, tears evaporate more quickly, leading to symptoms of dry eye.
How Is Blepharitis Diagnosed?
A comprehensive dry eye assessment allows us to examine the eyelids and ocular surface in detail.
At The Dry Eye Suite, your assessment may include:
Detailed symptom history
Slit lamp examination
Eyelid margin assessment
Meibomian gland evaluation
Meibography (imaging of the meibomian glands)
Tear film assessment
Screening for signs of Demodex
Identifying the underlying cause helps us recommend the most appropriate treatment for your eyes.
How Is Blepharitis Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your blepharitis.
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
Eyelid Hygiene
Regular cleaning of the eyelid margins helps remove bacteria, debris and excess oils.
Warm Compresses
Warm compresses can soften thickened oils within the meibomian glands, helping improve gland function.
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment)
ZEST is an in-clinic eyelid treatment that removes debris, excess bacteria and biofilm from the eyelids while helping improve eyelid hygiene.
It can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic blepharitis and those with signs of Demodex.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
For patients whose blepharitis is associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, IPL may help reduce inflammation and improve the quality of the oil produced by the glands.
Meibomian Gland Expression
Following IPL or warming treatments, gentle gland expression may help remove blocked oils and improve gland function.
Home Care
Long-term success often depends on maintaining a personalised home care routine alongside any in-clinic treatments.
Can Blepharitis Be Cured?
Blepharitis is usually a chronic condition that can be effectively managed rather than permanently cured.
With the correct diagnosis, appropriate treatment and ongoing eyelid care, many people experience a significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
When Should You Seek Help?
You should consider a specialist assessment if:
Your symptoms keep returning.
Eye drops only provide temporary relief.
Your eyelids remain red or inflamed.
You frequently develop styes or chalazia.
You have persistent crusting around your eyelashes.
Your symptoms are affecting your vision or daily activities.
Early treatment may help reduce inflammation and prevent long-term changes to the meibomian glands.
How We Can Help
At The Dry Eye Suite, we specialise in diagnosing and managing blepharitis and dry eye disease using advanced diagnostic technology and evidence-based treatment options.
Every patient begins with a comprehensive assessment so we can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your eyes.
If you're experiencing red, itchy or irritated eyelids, don't ignore the symptoms.
Book your dry eye assessment today at The Dry Eye Suite, Harold's Cross, Dublin.