Blepharitis affects the eyelid edges and may cause crusting, irritation and dry-eye symptoms. Regular care often helps control recurring symptoms.
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is inflammation along the eyelid margins, where the eyelashes and small oil-gland openings sit. It can affect people of different ages and often recurs. The condition itself is not contagious. Symptoms may be frustrating, but a consistent plan can help keep them under control. NEI overview
Symptoms and when to seek help
Common symptoms include itchy or sore eyelids, a gritty or burning feeling, flakes around lash roots, and lids that stick together on waking. Symptoms can come and go.
Pain within the eye, a very red eye or a new change in vision needs urgent assessment. Sudden loss of vision needs emergency care. These symptoms should not be attributed to routine eyelid irritation without an examination. NHS guidance | NHS red-eye guidance
Causes and associated conditions
Anterior blepharitis mainly affects the lash area; posterior blepharitis involves the oil glands nearer the inner lid edge. Both patterns can occur together. Skin bacteria, dandruff-like skin inflammation and rosacea may contribute. When gland oils do not reach the tear film normally, dry-eye symptoms can accompany the lid inflammation. Guy’s and St Thomas’ overview
How is it diagnosed?
The clinician examines the eyelids, lashes and eye surface, often with a slit-lamp microscope. They look for crusts, blocked gland openings and associated lumps or irritation. A dye may be used to assess the tear film and surface of the cornea. Tell the clinician about skin conditions, contact-lens use and products used around your eyes. Guy’s and St Thomas’ diagnosis information
General treatment options
Care usually includes a regular eyelid-cleaning routine, with a warm compress when appropriate. Ask for a demonstration of a gentle technique and suitable products. Lubricating drops may help accompanying dryness. A clinician may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments for selected cases, and associated skin conditions may also need attention. NEI treatment information
Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup while symptoms are active, and seek advice if symptoms persist or worsen. Do not use leftover steroid drops: these require an eye clinician’s assessment and supervision. Improvement can take time, and maintenance care may be needed after symptoms settle. NHS | Guy’s and St Thomas’
Blepharitis: Eyelid Inflammation and Ongoing Care illustrated
Questions for your appointment
- Which part of my eyelid is affected, and is dry eye also present?
- Could a skin condition be contributing?
- Can you show me a safe cleaning routine and explain when to review it?
- Which changes mean I should seek urgent advice?
Frequently asked questions
Can I pass blepharitis to someone else?
Blepharitis itself does not spread between people. Other causes of red or sticky eyes can be infectious. NEI
Why does it return?
It is often a long-term tendency, so ongoing lid care may be needed. Recurrence does not automatically mean treatment has failed. NEI
Does every case need antibiotics?
No. Cleaning is central to care; medicines are chosen according to the examination and response. NHS
This page provides general information and does not replace an eye examination.
Sources and further reading
- National Eye Institute: Blepharitis
- NHS: Blepharitis
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust: Blepharitis
- NHS: Red eye
General educational information prepared October 2026. Treatments described are general options; availability and suitability require an individual assessment.
