{"id":5487,"date":"2020-06-01T09:41:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-01T09:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/wordpress\/?page_id=5487"},"modified":"2021-07-27T10:26:42","modified_gmt":"2021-07-27T10:26:42","slug":"blepharitis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/dry-eye\/eyelid-conditions\/blepharitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Blepharitis"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is blepharitis?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Blepharitis is one of the most common ocular conditions caused by an inflammation of the eyelids, usually as a result of a blockage in the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes. In some cases, blepharitis is caused by a bacterial infection or skin condition such as dandruff of the scalp or rosacea.<\/p>\n

Blepharitis can also be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction<\/a> (MGD).<\/p>\n

Blepharitis affects up to 45 percent of people\u2014 most often, females above age 50.<\/b><\/p>\n

However, blepharitis can affect people of all ages. The condition is usually not contagious, and generally does not cause any permanent damage to eyesight.<\/p>\n

Two types of blepharitis<\/b><\/h2>\n

1. Anterior blepharitis<\/b> occurs on the outer, or front edge of the eyelid\u2014 where the eyelashes attach. This type of blepharitis is commonly caused by bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). Although uncommon, anterior blepharitis may also result from allergies or a mite infestation of the eyelashes.<\/p>\n

2. Posterior blepharitis<\/b> occurs in the inner edge of the eyelid\u2014 near the eyeball.\u00a0 This type of blepharitis can occur when the glands of the eyelids irregularly produce oil (meibomian blepharitis)\u2014 creating a warm invitation for bacterial growth. Posterior blepharitis can also develop as a result of other skin conditions, such as scalp dandruff or rosacea.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of blepharitis<\/b><\/h2>\n

Many symptoms include:<\/p>\n