Blepharitis – Symptoms and Causes
What is Eyelid Inflammation?
Eyelid inflammation, medically known as blepharitis, affects the edges of your eyelids. This condition typically impacts both eyes at the same time.
The main cause is often tiny oil glands near your eyelashes becoming blocked, which leads to irritation and redness.
The condition can make your eyelids look greasy and crusty, with scales that stick to your eyelashes. Many people with this condition wake up with their eyelids stuck together or feel like they have sand in their eyes.
Some may notice dried tears around their eyes in the morning. While blepharitis can be uncomfortable and not very attractive, it doesn’t usually cause lasting damage to your vision. It’s also not something you can catch from someone else.
Though blepharitis is often long-lasting and challenging to treat completely, proper care can help control symptoms and make you more comfortable.
Symptoms
Blepharitis symptoms are often most noticeable when waking up. Common signs include:
- Watery, red eyes
- Burning or gritty feeling in eyes
- Greasy-looking eyelids
- Itchy eyelids
- Swollen, reddened eyelid edges
- Skin flaking around eyes
- Crusty eyelashes
- Eyelids that stick together
- Increased blinking
- Light sensitivity
- Temporarily blurred vision (often improves with blinking)
People with blepharitis may experience some or all of these symptoms. The severity can vary from mild irritation to significant discomfort that affects daily activities.
When to See a Doctor
If your eyelid inflammation symptoms don’t get better with regular cleaning and good eye care habits, it’s time to contact your doctor. Medical help is needed when home treatments aren’t working.
Causes
Blepharitis develops from various factors, though no single cause has been confirmed. Several conditions may trigger this eyelid inflammation:
- Dandruff on the scalp and eyebrows
- Bacterial infections
- Oil gland dysfunction along the eyelids
- Rosacea (facial redness condition)
Certain external elements can also contribute to blepharitis. These include allergic reactions to makeup, contact lens solutions, or eye medications. Sometimes, tiny mites or lice infesting the eyelashes cause irritation. People with dry eyes often experience blepharitis as well.
Eye Complications
Styes
A stye develops when bacteria infect one or more small glands near your eyelash base. It appears as a painful, red bump on the edge of your eyelid.
Styes look similar to pimples and often cause discomfort. They typically form on the eyelid surface where they are easily visible. The area might become swollen, red, and tender to touch.
Most styes heal on their own within a week. Warm compresses applied several times daily can help speed up the healing process by:
- Reducing pain
- Promoting drainage
- Encouraging healing
Do not squeeze or pop a stye, as this may spread the infection.
Chalazions
A chalazion forms when one of the small oil glands at your eyelid margin becomes blocked. This blockage occurs just behind the eyelashes and leads to gland inflammation.
Unlike styes, chalazions:
- Start with inflammation and possible pain
- Often become painless over time
- Feels like a small, hard bead in your eyelid
- Can develop on upper or lower eyelids
When a chalazion first develops, your eyelid may look red and swollen. As it progresses, it typically transforms into a firm, round lump.
Chalazions may disappear without treatment, but some persist for months.
For larger or persistent chalazions, a healthcare provider might recommend:
- Steroid injections
- Surgical drainage
Both styes and chalazions can be related to other eye conditions like blepharitis. People with ongoing eyelid inflammation may experience these issues more frequently.
Proper eyelid hygiene, including gentle daily cleaning, can help prevent these complications.
