Blepharitis FAQ

Do you have red, itchy watery eyes? Are your eyelids flaky and crusty? If hygienic eye care and your attempts to clean the area don’t resolve your symptoms, you may have blepharitis. At Chapel Hills Vision Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO, we believe knowledge is key to maintaining healthy eyes. With that in mind, we invite you to review our blepharitis FAQ to better understand this common, but persistent optometry condition.

Is Blepharitis a Serious Eye Condition?

Blepharitis causes eyelid inflammation in people of all ages. Your optometrist can diagnose the optometry condition with a thorough eye examination. When properly and promptly treated, blepharitis should not cause eyesight loss or other severe eye problems. Though, for some people, it can be a chronic condition that lingers and reoccurs.

What Are Some Common Blepharitis Symptoms?

This inflammatory condition is accompanied by several unpleasant symptoms, which includes:

• Red eyelids
• Sticky eyelids
• Red eyes
• Scaly, clumpy skin around your eyelashes
• Light sensitivity
• Watery eyes
• Irritated eyes
• Itchy eyelids
• Blurry vision that temporarily clears with blinking
• Increased blinking
• Burning sensation in your eyes
• Crusty eyelids
• The feeling that something is in your eye

You may have either anterior or posterior blepharitis. The anterior type impacts the front edge of your eyelids, along your eyelashes. Posterior blepharitis occurs on the edge of your eyelids, where they meet your eyeballs.

What Causes Blepharitis?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive cause for this condition. But research shows that the staphylococcal blepharitis bacteria may cause anterior blepharitis. Scalp and eyebrow dander are often contributing factors. The presence of these irritants may cause infection leading to blepharitis.

Other suspected causes include:

• Allergies
• Eyelash mites
• Scalp and eyebrow dandruff
• Clogged or overproducing oil glands in your eyelids
• Rosacea

Can I Pass Blepharitis to My Family Members?

Blepharitis is not contagious. However, this condition may lead to pink eye, which is highly contagious.

How Do You Treat Blepharitis?

Self-care is important in the treatment of this eye condition. Eyelid massage, artificial tears, and lid washes can help. You may also need to avoid eye makeup and contact lenses for a while. Specific treatments can vary based on the type of blepharitis you have. Your optometrist may prescribe a lubricating ointment to alleviate some of your symptoms.

Contact the Eye Care Team from Chapel Hills Vision Clinic 

Visit Chapel Hills Vision Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO, if you suspect you may have blepharitis. Call 719-599-5083 to schedule an appointment with a skilled and experienced optometrist on our eye care team.