Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids and eyelash follicles. The commonest cause is meibomitis- inflammation of the meibomian glands of the eyelids which produces essential oils for the eye’s surface.

The eyelids crust, flake, scale or redden, and the smooth inside lining of the lids may become rough. In more serious cases, sores can form when the crusting skin is removed, the eyelashes may fall out, the eyelids can deform, the infection can spread to the cornea, and patients often suffer from excessive tearing or variable vision due to a poor tear film.

Treatment and preventative care for blepharitis involves thorough but gentle cleaning and application of warm compresses to the eyelids. This may be combined with antibiotics ointments if a bacterial infection is causing or contributing to the problems. Oral antibiotics may help also in improving the quality of secretions from the meibomian glands.