Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids, often leading to redness, irritation and crusting along the lash line.
Author: Murray Reyburn
Last reviewed by: Jo Lindley
Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids, particularly along the lash line. It can make your eyelids feel itchy, irritated, crusty or uncomfortable. It is frequently linked to dry eye.
While it isn’t usually serious, it can be persistent. With the right care and professional guidance, however, symptoms can be effectively controlled.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins, the delicate area where your eyelashes grow. It often affects both eyes and may cause redness, tenderness or crusting around the lashes.
The condition is typically linked to irritation, bacterial build-up or underlying skin conditions. In some cases, blocked oil glands (meibomian glands) may also contribute, but blepharitis primarily affects the lid margins themselves.
For many people, blepharitis is a long-term condition that can flare up from time to time and significantly affect everyday comfort if left unmanaged.
Blepharitis develops when the eyelid margins become irritated or inflamed. Common contributing factors include:
Blepharitis becomes more common as we get older, meaning eyelid hygiene becomes increasingly important over time. Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can also influence eyelid health.
Certain medical conditions and medications, particularly those linked to inflammation or autoimmune factors, can increase the likelihood of developing blepharitis. In some cases, diet can influence overall eyelid and tear health.
Often, blepharitis is caused by a combination of factors rather than a single trigger.
Symptoms can vary from mild irritation to more persistent discomfort. You may notice:
Symptoms are often worse first thing in the morning and may fluctuate throughout the day. If left untreated, blepharitis can become chronic and lead to ongoing discomfort.
If these symptoms sound familiar, a dedicated dry eye assessment can help identify the root cause.
Blepharitis and dry eye are closely connected. When the eyelid margins become inflamed, the delicate balance of the tear film can be disrupted. Inflammation along the lash line can affect how tears spread across the eye and may also impact the tiny oil glands within the eyelids.
As a result, tears may evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness, irritation and fluctuating vision.
For many patients, treating blepharitis is an important step in improving dry eye symptoms and restoring comfort.
Blepharitis can be identified during an eye examination, but is best assessed and managed during a comprehensive dry eye assessment appointment. Your optometrist will examine your eyelids, tear film and gland function using specialist equipment.
We will also assess the overall health of your eyes and discuss how your symptoms are affecting your daily life. This allows us to create a tailored management plan designed to restore comfort and stability.
At Leightons, we take the time to understand how your symptoms are affecting your daily life, so we can recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for you.
Although blepharitis can be long term, it is very manageable with the right approach. Early and consistent treatment helps prevent the cycle of dryness and irritation from escalating. Your plan may include:
If blepharitis is persistent or more severe, we may recommend targeted treatments designed to reduce inflammation, remove build-up and improve oil gland function.
IPL gently warms the eyelids, helping to soften thickened oils within the meibomian glands and improve their function. It also reduces skin redness, inflammation and bacteria around the eyelids.
This makes IPL effective for both anterior blepharitis (involving the lash line and skin) and posterior blepharitis linked to meibomian gland dysfunction.
In some cases, IPL may be combined with Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT). Blue light helps reduce bacteria, while red light supports gland function and healing.
BlephEx is a professional deep-cleaning treatment of the eyelid margins. It removes dead skin cells, debris and bacterial build-up along the lash line.
This mechanical cleansing helps clear blocked gland openings and supports healthier oil flow, improving long-term eyelid comfort.
Meibomian Gland Expression is a controlled in-practice procedure that gently clears blocked oil glands, carefully applying pressure to the eyelids to release thickened oils.
This helps restore healthier oil flow into the tear film and is particularly effective for posterior blepharitis linked to gland dysfunction.
BlefaCalm combines therapeutic heat, gland expression and eyelid cleansing to provide a deeper, more comprehensive treatment.
It is particularly helpful where inflammation, gland blockage and eyelid discomfort occur together.
There are several products that can help manage blepharitis at home, and choosing the right one depends on your individual symptoms.
At Leightons, we often recommend options such as DemEx, a non-sticky foam cleanser with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, or PuriEyes, which contains hypochlorous to help reduce bacteria and calm inflammation. TearRestore Neutrawipe, containing Manuka honey, can also be helpful in soothing irritated or puffy eyelids while supporting the natural healing process.
Your optometrist will always advise on what’s most appropriate for you, including suitable lubricant.
Because blepharitis can return, ongoing care is important. To help reduce recurrence:
With a structured routine, many patients experience long periods of stability.
You should book an appointment if:
Early guidance makes management easier and more effective.
Blepharitis and dry eye can affect everyday activities, from reading and driving to working on screens.
At Leightons, we provide detailed dry eye and eyelid assessments to uncover the root cause of your symptoms. Our experienced optometrists will explain what is happening clearly and create a personalised plan to improve comfort and restore tear stability.
If your eyes are feeling sore, gritty or persistently dry, we are here to help.
Book a dry eye assessment today and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision.
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