Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eye lids. There are two types:
- Anterior blepharitis– this affects the outside front edge of your eyelids near the base of your eyelashes and can be caused by a staphylococcus bacterial infection.
- Posterior blepharitis– this affects the meibomian glands which produce part of the tears.
Blepharitis can make your eyes feel irritated or gritty and your eyelids and lashes red and crusty. The symptoms are very often worse in the morning and your eyelids can be stuck together when you wake.
It normally affects both eyes and is a long term condition that can be treated with lid hygiene, warm compresses and eye lubricants. In severe cases antibiotics may be required.