Blepharitis

Symptoms of blepharitis

Blepharitis symptoms often come and go.

Symptoms of blepharitis include:

sore eyelids
itchy eyes
a gritty feeling in the eyes
flakes or crusts around the roots of the eyelashes
eyelids sticking together in the morning when you wake up

If you're not sure it's blepharitis

Find out more about eyelid problems

Things you can do to treat and prevent blepharitis

Do

clean your eyelids twice a day
continue to clean your eyes, even if your symptoms clear up

Don't

do not wear contact lenses while you have symptoms
do not use eye makeup, especially eyeliner and mascara, while you have symptoms

How to clean your eyes

Soak a clean flannel or cotton wool in warm water and place it on your closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes.
Gently massage your eyelids for around 30 seconds.
Clean your eyelids using cotton wool or a cotton bud. It might help to use a small amount of baby shampoo in water. Gently wipe along the edge of your eyelids to remove any flakes or crusts.

A pharmacist can help with blepharitis

A pharmacist might be able to suggest things to help keep your eyelids clean, including:

eye pads and wipes
eyedrops

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

blepharitis symptoms do not improve, or get worse

Treatment for blepharitis from a GP

A GP might suggest using an antibiotic cream or ointment that you rub on your eyelid if your blepharitis does not clear up after cleaning your eyelids regularly.

If blepharitis has caused other problems, such as a lump of fluid under the skin (cyst), antibiotic eyedrops or tablets may be recommended.

If your blepharitis is severe, or if you also have other eye symptoms, the GP may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have:

pain in your eyes
changes to your vision, such as vision loss or blurred vision
very red eyes

These can be signs of a more serious eye problem.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Causes of blepharitis

Blepharitis can be caused by:

a type of bacteria that lives on the skin
a skin condition, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis
the glands inside the eyelids not producing enough oil

Blepharitis cannot be spread to other people.

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