You may have woken up with red, scratchy, or crusty eyelids and wondered what’s going on. This is a common experience for people with blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids that can be properly diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. One of the first questions that often comes to mind is whether you can pass it to your family.
The short answer is no, blepharitis itself is not contagious. It’s a condition related to inflammation, often linked to dry eye disease, not an infection you can catch from someone else. However, if a bacterial overgrowth is the root cause, the bacteria could potentially spread through direct contact.
What Is Blepharitis and What Are the Symptoms?
Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. It usually affects the part of your eyelid where your eyelashes grow. It can be uncomfortable, but it typically doesn’t cause permanent damage to your eyesight.
Two Main Types of Blepharitis
There are 2 primary types of blepharitis, and it’s possible to have just one or both at the same time. Anterior blepharitis affects the outside front of your eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. Posterior blepharitis affects the inner edge of the eyelid that touches your eye.
Common Symptoms You Might Notice
Blepharitis can often cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Red or swollen eyelids
- A gritty or burning feeling in your eyes
- Scratchy eyelids
- Crusty debris on your eyelashes, especially upon waking
- Watery eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Foamy tears
The Main Causes and Triggers of Blepharitis
Blepharitis can occur for several reasons. Often, it’s not one single cause but a combination of factors that leads to a flare-up. Understanding these triggers can help you manage your symptoms more effectively.
Common Reasons for Flare-Ups
The condition often occurs when the tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged. This blockage can lead to irritated and red eyes. Other common causes include an overgrowth of bacteria, certain skin conditions like rosacea, and even seasonal allergies.
Can Mites Cause Blepharitis?
In some cases, tiny mites called Demodex can overpopulate in the eyelashes and contribute to blepharitis. While this might sound unpleasant, it’s a treatable cause of eyelid inflammation. A proper diagnosis can determine if this is a factor for you.
The Link Between Blepharitis and Dry Eye
If you have blepharitis, you might also notice symptoms of dry eye disease. The 2 conditions are often connected because of the oil glands in your eyelids, called meibomian glands. These glands produce an essential oil that helps keep your tears from evaporating too quickly.
When blepharitis causes these glands to become clogged or inflamed, your tear quality suffers. This disruption to your tear film can make your eyes feel dry, gritty, and uncomfortable. Managing the inflammation from blepharitis can often improve your dry eye symptoms as well.
How to Manage Blepharitis Symptoms at Home
Good eyelid hygiene is the foundation of managing blepharitis. A consistent daily routine can make a significant difference in reducing flare-ups and soothing irritation. These simple steps can help you find relief at home.
Your Daily Eyelid Care Routine
- Apply a warm compress over your closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes to help loosen crusts.
- Gently scrub the base of your eyelashes with a clean washcloth or a commercial lid scrub.
- Rinse your eyelids thoroughly with clean, warm water.
- Repeat this process for your other eye, using a fresh cloth or swab.
What About Eye Makeup and Contact Lenses?
During a flare-up, it’s a good idea to avoid using eye makeup like mascara and eyeliner. This can help reduce further irritation and prevent clogging of your glands. If you wear contact lenses, you might find it more comfortable to switch to glasses until your symptoms improve.
Professional Blepharitis and Dry Eye Treatments
When at-home care isn’t enough to control your symptoms, professional help can offer more effective relief. Our innovative dry eye treatments can help address the root causes of blepharitis and create a personalized plan to manage your eye health.
When to See Your Optometrist
If your symptoms don’t improve with regular cleaning or if they get worse, schedule a visit. An eye health professional can accurately diagnose the type of blepharitis you have. Your optometrist can also determine if an underlying condition is contributing to your flare-ups.
In-Office Therapies for Relief
We offer proven, in-office treatments designed to manage blepharitis and dry eye. Therapies like OptiLIGHT use light-based technology to reduce inflammation and enhance the function of your oil glands. These options can provide significant relief from uncomfortable symptoms.
Take Control of Your Blepharitis Symptoms
At See & Co., we are committed to helping you understand blepharitis and find comfort. Our team takes the time to address your unique visual needs and get to the bottom of what’s causing your discomfort. If you’re struggling with red, irritated eyelids, schedule an appointment with our eye doctors in Centreville, VA, today to start getting relief.
