Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins, where the lashes grow and the small oil glands that help keep the tears healthy open onto the lid.
Typical signs are crusty, itchy or red lid rims, flakes at the base of the lashes and gritty or burning eyes that are often worse in the morning. It often goes together with dry eye.
Blepharitis is common and not contagious. It tends to come and go over the years, but regular care keeps it comfortable.
Each day, hold a warm compress over your closed eyes for five to ten minutes, then gently clean along the lid margins with a lid-cleaning product we recommend or cooled boiled water on a clean cloth. We may also suggest lubricating drops or other treatment.
Contact us if you notice a painful lump on the eyelid, a swollen lid or a change in your vision.