Caring for your eyes can be challenging, especially when they feel irritated or uncomfortable, and you’re unsure of the cause. When your eyes become red and start to swell, it’s easy to worry that it might be due to a variety of unpleasant conditions.
While conjunctivitis may spread through the family and school, you may actually be dealing with blepharitis—a common yet often misunderstood condition that impacts your daily life. One of the first things people wonder about blepharitis is if it’s something you can pass on to others.
Great news! Blepharitis is not contagious, so you won’t share it with anyone. With proper care and professional guidance, you can manage it without letting it affect your life.
What Is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an eye condition characterized by eyelid inflammation, usually because the tiny oil glands near your eyelashes have clogged. Depending on where the clog is, you may experience one of two types of blepharitis:
- Anterior Blepharitis: Affects the outside edge of the eyelid where your eyelashes attach.
- Posterior Blepharitis: Affects the inner edge of the eyelid, closer to the eye.
The result? Discomfort that’s hard to ignore and a range of other symptoms, including:
- Red, swollen, or itchy eyelids
- A sensation of something being in your eye
- Light sensitivity
- Crusty eyelashes or eyelids, particularly in the morning
- Watery or dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Foamy tears
While these symptoms can be frustrating, they’re usually manageable. Your optometrist can diagnose the issue and help you get your eyes feeling healthy and comfortable again.
Can You Pass Blepharitis to Others?
Blepharitis is sometimes confused for pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, but this condition has a completely different cause.
Unlike bacterial or viral pink eye, blepharitis is not an infection that spreads from person to person. Instead, it results from naturally occurring bacteria on the skin. This type of bacteria doesn’t technically move between people, but it can build up.
Other than a bacterial infection, some of the most common causes of blepharitis include:
- Rosacea: Rosacea doesn’t stop at facial redness and visible blood vessels—especially when it targets your eyes. It’s also connected to anterior blepharitis.
- Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands: If it’s not a bacterial infection, there’s a good chance you have an issue with your oil glands. A striking 75% of those with chronic blepharitis have glands that become clogged or fail to function properly.
- Eyelash mites: These tiny mites live around the eyelashes and can disrupt oil production from your glands, promoting blepharitis development. That may sound creepy, but they’re way too small to see with the human eye and perfectly natural. Problems only occur when there are too many.
- Allergies: Those who experience seasonal or other eye allergies might find themselves dealing with blepharitis as well.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This skin condition causes redness and flaky patches, often around the scalp and eyebrows. If you’ve got anterior blepharitis, chances are you might also see seborrheic dermatitis making an appearance on your face or scalp, contributing to irritated eyelids.
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing blepharitis:
- Scalp dandruff or oily skin
- Skin conditions like rosacea or eczema
- Poor eyelid hygiene practices
- Wearing contact lenses without adequate cleaning
- Age, as blepharitis is more common in older adults
Blepharitis Diagnosis & Treatment
If you think you have blepharitis, an optometrist can perform a thorough eye exam to confirm the condition and help you navigate the next steps with care. This often involves a close look at your eyelids and, in some cases, a quick swab to gather more information for analysis.
Blepharitis is a chronic condition where symptoms can fade, only to return later and become even more severe. Management often focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Some of these can be done at home and should be part of a proactive routine, while others may require some professional help. Here’s how blepharitis is typically treated:
- Regular eyelid hygiene: Cleaning your eyelids and lashes with a gentle cleanser helps remove debris and unclog glands.
- Warm compresses: Using a lightly heated, damp towel across the eyes daily can help express the oil glands to promote healthy tear production and reduce inflammation.
- Artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops can help address dry eye symptoms so you don’t have to deal with both conditions at the same time.
- Medications: Your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or topical treatments like cyclosporine to reduce discomfort.
- Avoid eye irritants: Refrain from wearing contact lenses or eye makeup during flare-ups.
- Wash frequently: Regularly clean your face, hands, pillowcases, and towels to minimize exposure to irritants.
By incorporating these small yet impactful habits into your daily routine, you can help manage blepharitis symptoms effectively.
Relief Is Within Reach
While the irritation from blepharitis may feel overwhelming, with good hygiene and guidance from West Coast Optical, blepharitis can become a manageable part of your routine.
If you’re ready to take control of your eye health, now’s the time to act. Our friendly optometry team is here to help diagnose and manage conditions like blepharitis so you can get back to enjoying your day. Book your appointment today and take a step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.
