Blepharitis

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is chronic inflammation affecting the edges of the eyelids. The inflammation is caused by bacterial infection of the eyelashes and/or blockage of the Meibomian (oil) glands. It can lead to build up of deposits on the skin and the eyelashes, leaving your eyes feeling gritty, sore and red with scaly deposits on the eye lid margins (edges).

Blepharitis is not contagious.

If untreated, blepharitis can cause the following-

• Dry eyes – people with Blepharitis often suffer from dry eyes as the oil glands are required to stop the tear film from drying out.
• Styes -painful infection swelling (abscess of an eyelash follicle)
• Chalazion – painless round nodule caused by a blocked and inflamed Meibomian gland. This may become infected and painful.

How can blepharitis be treated?

Symptoms may come and go but are often persistent and may require repeat treatment. There is no one-off cure.

Your Ophthalmologist at Western Sydney Eye Doctors will be able to assess and discuss which treatments will be most likely to help in your particular case.