Blepharitis

Blepharitis Signs

Blepharitis is a common inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacterial toxins, excess lipids or Demodex mites

Signs/symptoms include itching of the lid margin, burning, foreign body sensation and crusting of the lid margins which tend to be worse in the morning. Symptoms don’t necessary match the signs for example you might not notice any symptoms even if there is moderate to severe signs

30-50% of cases lead to tear film instability and dry eye which can lead to a gritty sensation, mild photophobia, tearing and fluctuating blurry vision

Chronic Blepharitis can be caused a mite called Demodex.

Demodex is a very common mite with which prevalence increases with age, 84% of people over 60 and 100% over the age of 70 are infected. Symptoms are very similar to normal Blepharitis but more persistent even with traditional treatments.

Chronic Blepharitis caused by Demodex

Blepharitis can never be cured only managed

Left untreated Blepharitis can lead to styes and/or infections

There are many treatment options available and at Eyelink we will assess you and if needed recommend the right course of treatment tailored for you to help manage your condition.