What causes blepharitis?

Blepharitis is caused by inflammation of the eyelash follicles in your eyelids. This disease results from an excess growth of the bacteria that are normally found on the eyelids. This growth generally occurs because of an overabundance of oil produced from the glands near the eyelids. Blepharitis also can develop because of the presence of mites at the base of the eyelashes. People with skin conditions such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis are more prone to blepharitis.

What are the risk factors for blepharitis?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing blepharitis. Not all people with risk factors will get blepharitis. Risk factors for blepharitis include:

  • Allergies
  • Eyelash mites
  • Rosacea
  • Seborrheic dermatitis

Reducing your risk of blepharitis

You may be able to lower your risk of blepharitis by:

  • Applying warm, damp compresses on your eyes to loosen oil and crusts on the eyelid margins
  • Gently cleaning the eyelids twice daily with a washcloth and warm water
INTRODUCTION

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelash follicles. In blepharitis, the eyelid margins become swollen, flaky and scaly. This disease results from an excess growth of bacteria that are normally found on the eyelids. This growth generally occurs because of an overabundance of oil produced by the glands near the eyelids. Blepharitis can also develop because of the presence of mites at th... Read more about blepharitis introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Blepharitis symptoms include eyelids that become swollen, flaky and scaly. These symptoms arise because the eyelash follicles are inflamed. You may also experience burning eyes and scaly skin at the base of your eyelashes.... Read more about blepharitis symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is blepharitis treated?

Treatment of blepharitis begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. The mainstay of blepharitis treatment is good eyelid hygiene, usually through the application of warm, damp compresses several times a day. Your health care provider may suggest using very dilute baby shampoo. In addition, your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to address excess bacterial growth on your eyelash follicles. In cases of severe inflammation, topical corticosteroids may also be prescribed.... Read more about blepharitis treatments

Medical Reviewer: All content has been reviewed by board-certified physicians under the direction of Rich Klasco, M.D., FACEP. Last Annual Review Date: May 2, 2011 Copyright: © Copyright 2011 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.

This Article is Filed Under: Eyes and Vision


Popular Eyes and Vision Slide Show

15 Ways To Get Better Medicine

15 Ways To Get Better Medicine

People who are actively involved in their medical care stay healthier, recover quicker when they're ill, and live longer, healthier lives.

Interactive Symptom Checker