What is blepharitis 

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. It happens when the tiny oil glands along the edge of your eyelids (where your eyelashes grow) become blocked or irritated. 

There are two main types of blepharitis: 

• Front (anterior) blepharitis - this affects the outer edge of your eyelid and the base of your eyelashes 

• Back (posterior) blepharitis – this affects the inner edge of the eyelid where the glands open

Many people have a mix of both. 

How is it linked to dry eye? 

Blepharitis and dry eye often go hand in hand. The oily layer of your tears helps stop them from drying out too quickly. When the eyelid glands are blocked, not enough oil reaches your tears - causing them to evaporate faster. 

This can make your eyes feel dry, watery, or irritated, even though the real issue starts at your eyelids. 

What are the symptoms of blepharitis? 

If you have blepharitis, you might notice: 

• Red or swollen eyelids 

• Crusts or flakes along the lash line, especially in the morning 

• Itchy, gritty, or burning eyes 

• Watery or dry eyes 

• Sensitivity to light 

• Blurred vision that clears when you blink 

Symptoms often come and go, but they can flare up when you’re tired, stressed, or spend long hours on screens. 

How is it treated? 

There isn’t a quick cure, but with the right routine, most people find their symptoms improve a lot. 

1. Daily eyelid cleaning 

Good lid hygiene is the foundation of treatment: 

• Warm compresses: Hold a clean, warm (not hot) cloth over closed eyes for 5–10 minutes to soften any oil or crusts

• Lid massage: Gently massage your eyelids toward the lash line to help unblock the oil glands

• Lid cleaning: Use a clean cotton pad or a special lid wipe to remove debris from the lash line. You can use a cleaning solution or gel recommended by your optician

2. Treating dry eye 

If your eyes feel dry or gritty, use lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) regularly. This keeps your eyes comfortable and helps prevent irritation. 

Our Dry Eye Evaluation is included as part of every adult sight test. we can spot issues early and give you tailored advice to keep your eyes feeling their best. Depending on your needs, we may recommend soothing at-home treatments like eye drops or a heat mask, or an in-store services such as ZEST for a deeper cleanse. Find out more about the services available here. 

If you would like to learn more about the common symptoms of dry eyes, read this article. 

3. Medical treatments 

In some cases, your optician may recommend: 

• Antibiotic ointment or drops for infection 

• Oral antibiotics for long-term inflammation  

• Anti-inflammatory drops for short-term relief 

• At-home treatments such as gentle eyelid cleaning or heat therapy 

Looking after your eyes long-term 

Blepharitis tends to be a long-term condition, but it can be controlled with consistent care. Try to: 

• Clean your eyelids every day, even when symptoms settle 

• Use a heat mask or warm compresses to keep oil glands unblocked 

• Take regular breaks from screens 

• Remove eye makeup carefully each night 

• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes 

• Use a humidifier if your environment is dry