Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids due to overgrowth of bacteria along the edge of the eyelids and at the base of the eyelashes.
Clogged oil glands in the eyelid could also lead to blepharitis.
Despite how it looks, blepharitis is not contagious and does not cause blindness.

Without treatment, blepharitis may cause:

• blurry vision
• sclera (white part of the eye) to look reddish
• eyelashes to fall out or grow in the wrong direction
• swelling of the cornea, or the clear, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye
• swelling of other parts of the eye
• stye/chalazion – a red, painful bump (stye) or a hard, painless lump (chalazion) may result from a clogged oil gland
• dry eye: the tear film that protects the cornea may dry up due to buildup of oil and flakes

Apart from eyelid inflammation and swelling, blepharitis also presents as:

• itchy or watery eyes
• red eyes
• burning or stinging sensation
• foreign body sensation
• crusty eyes/eyelids
• eyelids sticking together upon waking
• sensitivity to light
• dry eyes
• foamy tears

Blepharitis symptoms can be managed so they don’t interfere with your eyes’ normal functioning and daily activities. Some of the things that could help minimize the discomfort include:

Hygiene
Keeping not only the eyelids and eyelashes but also the hair and skin clean is one way to keep symptoms under control.

Warm compresses over closed eyes help unclog the oil glands. Eyelid scrubs using lint-free pads also help loosen the flakes. Wash the cloth in a solution of baby shampoo diluted in warm water, wring slightly, and use it to gently scrub the affected area.

Artificial tears/antibiotic eye drops
Dry eyes may be remedied by artificial tears, which also work well in tamping down redness and inflammation. If inflammation is caused by blocked oil glands, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to unclog them.

Antibiotic ointments and medicines
The ointment is topically applied to the base of the eyelashes. To further control the inflammation, antibiotic medicines may need to be taken by mouth.

There are several causes of blepharitis, such as: Blocked oil glands in your eyelids; Accumulation of excessive quantities of bacteria in the eyelid margins due to poor personal hygiene; Allergic reactions; Mite infestation of eyelashes; Skin conditions such as rosacea or dandruff; Meibomian gland dysfunction.

The most important step for recovering from blepharitis is the maintenance of personal hygiene. Some steps to accelerate recovery from blepharitis are as follows: The affected eyelid should be cleaned to make it free of crusts; For blocked oil glands, massaging the eyelids may clean out the blockage; Avoid eye makeup; Use artificial tears or steroid eye drops if prescribed; Antibiotic eye drops may be needed in case of bacterial infections.

At night, when you are asleep, your eyelids are closed for a long time during which cellular debris and oils can accumulate in the lid margins. This can slow healing or even worsen blepharitis.

Yes, alcohol can worsen blepharitis. Alcohol can inhibit the reabsorption of water which can result in dehydration and possibly aggravate dry eye. Decreased tear production can in turn worsen blepharitis due to inadequate clearance of debris and bacteria.

Yes, the most common cause of blepharitis is poor personal hygiene. Failure to clear out debris, oil, and bacteria from eyelids can result in clogged oil glands, bacterial infection, and allergies. All of these are known precursors of blepharitis.

If you have blepharitis, there are some steps that need to be followed for adequate cleaning of the eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap first. Prepare a mixture of warm water with a gentle cleanser. Take a soft cloth and dip it in the prepared mixture. Press the cloth against your affected eye while keeping it closed. Rub the cloth gently on the lid margins. Rinse the cleaned eye with sterile water. Repeat all steps with a new clean cloth on the next eye.

Blepharitis can get worse at night when you sleep, in cold dry weather, if you are dehydrated, by drinking alcohol, smoking, using contact lenses, staying in an air-conditioned room, excessive computer screen exposure, and sleep deprivation.

The best natural treatment for blepharitis is maintaining personal hygiene and keeping your eyes clean. Eating a healthy diet rich in all essential vitamins and staying hydrated can also make recovery from blepharitis faster.