Blepharitis

Blepharitis may be caused by a bacterial infection or can be a complication of a skin condition such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or rosacea. It is not possible to catch this from another person. Dry eye symptoms can also be a cause. Sometimes a blockage of the meibomian glands, within the eyelids, can occur and they may fill with an oily fluid.

What are the causes?

Blepharitis may be caused by a bacterial infection or can be a complication of a skin condition such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or rosacea. It is not possible to catch this from another person. Dry eye symptoms can also be a cause. Sometimes a blockage of the meibomian glands, within the eyelids, can occur and they may fill with an oily fluid.

What is the treatment?

Usually a long term, or chronic condition, blepharitis can occur with repeated episodes. A daily eye cleaning routine with a very dilute solution of a baby shampoo in luke warm water and nightly use of prescribed antibiotic ointment usually works well to control the symptoms.

While this is not a serious condition, treatment of blepharitis is paramount prior to any major eye surgery including cataract surgery in order to minimise the risk or post op infection. While bleharitis is still active, use of contact lenses and eye make up should be avoided.