Eye conditions
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation along the edges of the eyelids, leading to redness, irritation and discomfort.
It happens when the small glands near the base of the eyelashes become blocked or infected, which can cause swollen eyelids and flaky skin. It’s often linked to an overgrowth of bacteria or to problems with the oil-producing glands in the eyelids, which can also cause dry, gritty eyes (see our dry eyes page if that sounds familiar).
Blepharitis isn’t contagious, but it can be persistent if it isn’t treated. It affects people of all ages and usually needs ongoing care to keep it under control.
Know the signs
Symptoms, causes and risk factors
Symptoms
- Red, inflamed eyelids: swelling and redness along the eyelid edges
- Crusting around the eyelashes: flaky build-up at the base of the lashes
- Itching and discomfort: persistent itching or a burning feeling
- Sore eyelids: tenderness or pain along the eyelid margins
- A gritty feeling: as if there's something in your eye
Causes
Blepharitis can be triggered by several things that affect the eyelids and how they work.
- Bacteria: especially Staphylococcus, which can infect the eyelid glands and cause inflammation
- Skin conditions: such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, which can lead to flaky, greasy eyelids
- Oil gland problems: blocked or poorly working oil glands in the eyelids
Risk factors
Some things make blepharitis more likely.
- Contact lenses: bacterial build-up and irritation from lenses
- Oily skin: excess oil can clog the eyelid glands
- Rosacea: linked skin and eye inflammation
If it isn't treated
Complications of blepharitis
Left untreated, blepharitis can lead to chronic dry eye, because the inflammation disrupts the tear film and causes ongoing discomfort. It can also cause eyelashes to fall out or grow in the wrong direction, as the inflammation damages the hair follicles.
Blocked oil glands can lead to styes and chalazia (eyelid cysts), which may need treatment. Untreated blepharitis also raises the risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis.
Everyday care
How to prevent blepharitis
Good eyelid hygiene is the best way to prevent and manage blepharitis. Cleaning the edges of your eyelids regularly removes oils, bacteria and debris, which reduces flare-ups.
Avoid wearing eye make-up during a flare-up, and replace your make-up regularly to stop bacteria building up. Managing skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or rosacea helps too.
For extra support, we stock Blephasol and Blephaclean to help with eyelid hygiene.
Get it checked
When to seek professional help
If your symptoms carry on or get worse, it may be time for professional treatment. We can assess your eyelids and give you advice and treatment tailored to you. Book an appointment if:
- Your symptoms carry on despite regular eyelid cleaning, or get worse over time
- You're experiencing discomfort or irritation
- You're not sure how serious your symptoms are and would like advice
Get in touch straight away if you have:
- Severe or sudden eye pain
- Sudden changes to your vision
- New sensitivity to light
At Opticare
Treatments for blepharitis
Treating blepharitis properly eases the symptoms and protects the health of your eyes. We offer several treatments, and we’ll recommend the right one for you.
BlephEx treatment
BlephEx is a painless treatment carried out by our eye care specialists. It deep cleans the edges of your eyelids, removing the scurf, bacteria and debris that cause inflammation. Because it tackles the root cause (the build-up of oils and bacteria) rather than just the symptoms, it eases itching, irritation and swelling.
Blepharitis often comes back, so we recommend repeating BlephEx every 6 months to keep symptoms away. If you’re left with ongoing dry eye, OptiLIGHT IPL therapy can work alongside it.
Cost: £50 per treatment, or included in OptiPlan Complete, our eye care plan for £14 a month.
Heat application
A warm compress, such as the THERA°PEARL Eye Mask, loosens crusts and debris on the eyelids and helps the oil glands work properly. This eases discomfort and reduces dryness. The mask can be used hot or cold, depending on your symptoms.
Using heat regularly helps stop the build-up of oils that leads to inflammation and other blepharitis symptoms.
What happens at a BlephEx appointment?
A numbing drop
We put a numbing drop in each eye so you stay comfortable.
A gentle clean
Your optometrist uses the BlephEx handpiece to spin a sterile, medical-grade micro-sponge along your eyelid edges and lashes.
A fresh sponge for each eye
A new sponge is used on each eyelid, so bacteria aren't spread between your eyes.
Done in minutes
The treatment is painless and takes around 6 to 8 minutes.
Eyelid hygiene
Products for managing blepharitis
We recommend two products for daily eyelid hygiene. Both are made by Europe’s leading independent ophthalmology company, need no rinsing or preparation, and are free from preservatives, perfumes and phosphates, so they’re kind to sensitive eyes and skin.
Blephasol®
A gentle micelle solution for daily eyelid hygiene. It cleans the eyelid edges and helps regulate oil production.
It comes in a 100ml bottle and is easy to use morning and night.
Blephaclean®
Sterile, ready-to-use pads soaked in a micelle solution that cleans and soothes the eyelids. Use them twice a day, morning and night.
- 20 individually wrapped sterile pads
- Helps regulate oil (sebum) production
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about blepharitis
Will blepharitis go away on its own?
No, blepharitis doesn’t usually clear up on its own. It needs regular eyelid hygiene and, in some cases, professional treatment. Without the right care, symptoms can get worse and lead to complications such as chronic dry eye, eyelash loss, styes or chalazia, and eye infections.
Cleaning your eyelid edges regularly removes oils, bacteria and debris and reduces flare-ups. If home care isn’t enough, BlephEx can tackle the root cause more thoroughly.
How can I prevent blepharitis?
Clean your eyelids regularly with a recommended solution, avoid eye make-up during flare-ups, and keep skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or rosacea under control.
Is blepharitis contagious?
No, you can’t catch blepharitis from someone else. It’s usually linked to an overgrowth of bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus, or to problems with the oil glands in the eyelids. Skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and rosacea, wearing contact lenses and having oily skin can all increase your risk.
Can contact lens wearers get blepharitis?
Yes. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk, especially if lens hygiene slips. Clean and disinfect your lenses regularly and replace them as recommended to reduce the risk.
Can blepharitis cause vision problems?
Left untreated, blepharitis can lead to chronic dry eye and a higher risk of eye infections, both of which can affect your vision. Managing the condition helps avoid this.
What is BlephEx treatment?
BlephEx is a painless treatment carried out in practice. It removes debris and bacteria from the edges of your eyelids, tackling the build-up of oils and bacteria that causes blepharitis rather than just easing symptoms for a while.
If warm compresses and eyelid hygiene aren’t controlling your symptoms, or your blepharitis keeps coming back, BlephEx is usually the next step we’d recommend. It’s £50 per treatment, or included in OptiPlan Complete for £14 a month.
Does BlephEx hurt?
No. We use a numbing drop before the treatment, which takes around 6 to 8 minutes.
How often should I have BlephEx?
Blepharitis often comes back, so we recommend repeating BlephEx every 6 months to keep your eyelids healthy and prevent symptoms returning.
Are there over-the-counter treatments for blepharitis?
Yes. Eyelid wipes and cleansers such as Blephasol and Blephaclean can help manage and prevent symptoms. If your symptoms are persistent or severe, it’s important to get professional advice.
Can diet affect blepharitis?
Diet isn’t a main cause, but some nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may support eye health and reduce inflammation, which could help ease symptoms. Read more about nutrition and the eye.
Medically reviewed by Amar-Kaash Gandecha, BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP), Prof Cert Glauc, Director and Optometrist. Last reviewed 14 August 2026.
Worried about your eyelids?
Book an appointment at your local Opticare practice. We’ll check your eyes and recommend the right treatment for you.