- General Eye Condition
- Medical Management
Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelid margins that causes irritation, crusting, and discomfort.
- Very common
- Chronic but manageable
- Non-surgical treatment
- Affects all ages
Clinical photograph — presentation varies by severity. Not intended for self-diagnosis.
Who is a good candidate?
Blepharitis is inflammation of the edges of the eyelids — the strip of skin where the eyelashes grow. It’s a common, long-term condition that usually affects both eyes and tends to come and go in flare-ups rather than clearing up completely on its own.
The tiny oil glands sitting just behind the eyelashes can become blocked or irritated, which changes the quality of the tear film covering the eye. The result is red, gritty, itchy eyelids and — in many cases — a knock-on effect on comfort, contact lens tolerance and vision.
While it isn’t sight-threatening in most cases, blepharitis can be persistent and frustrating. A specialist assessment identifies the underlying driver so treatment targets the cause rather than only the symptoms.
Symptoms to Look Out For
- Red, swollen or itchy eyelid margins
- Crusting or flaking around the lashes, especially on waking
- Gritty, burning or foreign-body sensation
- Watery eyes or, paradoxically, dry eye symptoms
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision that clears with blinking
- Loss or misdirection of eyelashes over time
Could it be something else?
Similar symptoms can point to a different diagnosis. You might also want to read about: Dry Eye, Conjunctivitis, Red Eye.
- When to seek help
If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks or are affecting your vision, book an assessment.
Early specialist review helps rule out other causes and prevents chronic damage to the eyelid margin.
What Causes Blepharitis?
Blepharitis usually has more than one contributor.A specialist assessment
works out which of these is driving your symptoms.
Seborrheic dermatitis
A skin condition that causes flaky, oily patches around the eyelids and scalp.
Bacterial overgrowth
Skin bacteria multiply along the lash line, irritating the eyelid margin.
Meibomian gland dysfunction
Blocked oil glands change the tear film and worsen inflammation.
Rosacea
A facial skin condition that commonly involves the eyelids and eyes.
Your Symptoms Have More Than One Cause — Here's How We Find Yours
Blepharitis is often treated with a leaflet and a bottle of drops. Mr. Ahmad Aziz takes a different view: symptoms are the surface — the goal is to find what’s actually driving the inflammation and design a regimen that fits your skin, your habits and your day-to-day life. Consultant-led, root-cause focused, and honest about what treatment can and can’t achieve.
1
Thorough examination
Slit-lamp assessment of the lid margin, tear film and meibomian glands.
2
Identify the underlying cause
Skin, gland or bacterial — the driver dictates the plan.
3
Tailored treatment plan
A written regimen matched to your lifestyle and severity.
Treatment Options
Most patients respond to a combination of approaches, adjusted over time.
Lid hygiene regimen
Warm compresses and lid cleaning to unblock glands and reduce bacterial load.
Antibiotic therapy
Topical or short-course oral antibiotics when infection or rosacea is driving flare-ups.
In-clinic treatment
Professional lid debridement and expression of the meibomian glands for stubborn cases.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions.
Is blepharitis contagious?
No. Although bacteria play a role, blepharitis isn’t passed from person to person through normal contact.
Can blepharitis be cured permanently?
For most people it’s a chronic condition managed rather than cured — but with the right regimen, long symptom-free stretches are realistic.
Will I need surgery?
Very rarely. Surgery is only considered when a complication (such as a persistent chalazion or lid malposition) develops.
How long does treatment take to work?
Most patients notice a clear improvement within 4–6 weeks of a consistent regimen, with further gains over 3 months.
Can I wear contact lenses with blepharitis?
Usually yes, once the flare is controlled. During active inflammation it’s better to switch to glasses.
Not Sure If This Is What You Have?
A specialist assessment will give you clarity — and a plan.