Blepharitis is a common but often overlooked condition that causes inflammation along the edges of the eyelids. It can leave your eyes feeling uncomfortable day after day and, for many people, it goes undiagnosed for years.
In this post, we’ll cover what blepharitis is, why it develops, how it connects to dry eye disease, and what treatment options are available at Progressive Family Eye Care in Plymouth.
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins—the thin strip of skin where your eyelashes grow.¹ It affects the oil glands, follicles, and surrounding tissue at the base of the lashes.
It’s one of the most common eyelid conditions eye doctors see, and it can affect people of all ages. While it’s rarely dangerous, it tends to be chronic. That means it typically requires ongoing management rather than a one-time fix.
Types of blepharitis
There are two main types of blepharitis¹:
- Anterior blepharitis affects the outer front edge of the eyelid, near the base of the eyelashes. It’s often linked to bacteria or skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
- Posterior blepharitis affects the inner edge of the eyelid that touches the eye. This type involves the meibomian glands—the tiny oil glands that are critical for tear production.
Both types can occur at the same time.
What causes blepharitis?
Blepharitis doesn’t have a single cause. Several factors can contribute to it, including:
- A buildup of bacteria along the eyelid margins
- Overgrowth of Demodex mites (microscopic mites that live on the skin and lash follicles)
- Dysfunction of the meibomian oil glands
- Skin conditions such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
- Allergic reactions or sensitivities to makeup and skincare products
- Poor eyelid hygiene
In many cases, more than one of these factors is contributing to symptoms.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
Blepharitis symptoms can range from mildly annoying to genuinely disruptive to daily life. Common signs of blepharitis include²:
- Red, swollen, or irritated eyelid margins
- Crusty debris or flaking at the base of the lashes, especially in the morning
- Itching or burning around the eyes
- Eyelids that look greasy
- Eyelids that stick together
- Tears that appear foamy
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes or, paradoxically, eyes that feel very dry
- Blurry vision that clears up when you blink
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s best to schedule an eye exam. Many people mistake blepharitis symptoms for general eye strain or seasonal allergies.
How does blepharitis cause dry eye?
Blepharitis, especially the posterior type, is a leading cause of dry eye disease.
The meibomian glands sit along the inner edge of the eyelids and produce the oily layer of the tear film. This oily layer slows evaporation and keeps the surface of the eye moist and comfortable. When blepharitis causes these glands to become blocked or dysfunctional, the oil they produce becomes thicker and less effective.
Without a healthy oil layer:
- Tears evaporate too quickly
- The eye surface becomes dry and inflamed
- Eyes feel irritated, tired, and uncomfortable
This is called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and it’s the most common cause of evaporative dry eye. Treating blepharitis is often a core part of managing dry eye disease effectively.
How is blepharitis diagnosed?
An eye doctor diagnoses blepharitis during a comprehensive eye exam. They’ll examine the eyelid margins, lashes, and the surface of the eye using magnification and specialized lighting.
In some cases, they may also evaluate the health of the meibomian glands and measure tear production and quality. This gives a complete picture of how the blepharitis is affecting your eye health.
How to treat blepharitis
At-home eyelid hygiene is a starting point for managing blepharitis. Warm compresses, lid scrubs, and certain cleansers can help keep the lid margins cleaner and the oil glands functioning better. But for many patients, these measures aren’t enough on their own, especially when symptoms are chronic or more severe.
At Progressive Family Eye Care, we offer advanced dry eye and blepharitis treatments designed to address the root causes rather than just managing symptoms.
OptiLight IPL therapy
OptiLight is an intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy approved by the FDA for dry eye disease related to meibomian gland dysfunction. It uses gentle pulses of light applied to the skin below the eyes to reduce inflammation, target the abnormal blood vessels that contribute to MGD, and help restore healthier oil gland function.
Most patients complete a series of four treatments. Over time, many experience significant relief from both dry eye and blepharitis-related symptoms. It’s a non-invasive, in-office procedure with no downtime.
BlephEx® treatment
BlephEx® is an in-office procedure that carefully cleans the eyelid margins and lash line using a micro-sponge device. It removes the buildup of biofilm, bacteria, and debris that accumulates along the lid margins—buildup that at-home cleaning can’t fully address.
BlephEx® is an ideal option for patients dealing with:
- Significant crusting or collarettes at the lash base
- Demodex-related blepharitis
- Chronic lid margin inflammation that hasn’t responded well to at-home care
The procedure is quick, comfortable, and can produce noticeable improvements in eyelid hygiene and overall eye comfort.
At-home treatment for blepharitis
In-office treatment works best when paired with consistent at-home habits. Between appointments, the following can help keep symptoms in check:
- Apply a warm compress to the closed eyes for 5–10 minutes daily to help soften and release blocked gland secretions
- Use a gentle lid scrub or a product specifically formulated for eyelid hygiene
- Avoid eye makeup that can block the lash follicles or oil glands
- Stay consistent: blepharitis is a chronic condition, and regular maintenance makes a significant difference over time
Our eye doctors can recommend specific products based on your type of blepharitis and your skin sensitivities.
Stop managing symptoms and start finding real relief
Blepharitis is manageable with the right care. Whether you’re dealing with mild irritation or symptoms that have been affecting your quality of life for years, there are effective options that go beyond the basics.
If you suspect blepharitis or have been struggling with persistent dry eye symptoms, our expert team at Progressive Family Eye Care in Plymouth can help you find lasting relief. Schedule an appointment today and get a thorough evaluation of your eyelid and tear film health.
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