Blepharitis: How to Spot It and What to Do Now

If your eyelids feel crusty in the morning, your eyes sting or they often tear, you might have blepharitis. It’s a common eyelid inflammation that won’t usually harm your sight but can be annoying and long-lasting. Good news: many cases improve with simple daily care you can start today.

What causes blepharitis?

Blepharitis comes from a few common problems: blocked meibomian glands (oil glands at the edge of your eyelids), bacteria living on the lid, dandruff of the scalp or eyebrows, and skin conditions like rosacea. Contact lens wear, old makeup, and poor eyelid hygiene make flare-ups more likely. It often hangs around — think of it as a chronic condition you can manage, not necessarily cure.

How to manage and treat blepharitis

Start with an easy daily routine. Most people get big relief from consistent steps you can do at home.

Warm compress: Soak a clean cloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and hold it over closed lids for 5–10 minutes. The heat loosens oil and crusts.

Lid massage: After the compress, gently massage the eyelid toward the lash line to express clogged oil. Use light pressure with a clean finger or cotton bud.

Lid cleaning: Use a lid scrub twice daily until things improve. Mix a drop of baby shampoo in warm water or use a commercial lid cleanser. Dip a clean cotton pad and wipe along the lashes. Rinse with warm water.

Lubricating drops: Over-the-counter artificial tears ease dryness and irritation. Use preservative-free drops if you need them often.

Makeup and lenses: Skip eye makeup during flares and replace old mascara or eyeliner. Avoid contact lenses until your lids calm down.

If home care isn’t enough, a doctor may prescribe:

• Topical antibiotics (ointment or drops) for infected lids.
• Short courses of steroid drops for severe inflammation (used carefully).
• Oral doxycycline for persistent meibomian gland dysfunction or chronic rosacea-related blepharitis.

Eye doctors diagnose blepharitis with a quick exam — usually a slit-lamp check and sometimes a lid swab. That helps them decide if antibiotics or other treatments are needed.

When to see a doctor? If your vision changes, pain worsens, redness spreads, or home care doesn’t help after a week, get checked. Also seek care for intense swelling, sudden light sensitivity, or discharge that’s thick and green.

Prevention tips: keep lids clean regularly, treat dandruff on the scalp, avoid sharing towels or eye cosmetics, and manage skin conditions like rosacea. With steady care you can cut flares and keep your eyes comfortable.

Blepharitis is common, but manageable. Start a simple lid routine, use drops for dryness, and see your eye doctor if things don’t improve.