Blepharitis Treatment

Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Alim Hüseynov · Last updated: 7 September 2026

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins. It is common, tends to recur, and is one of the most frequent causes of persistent burning, redness and irritation. It is managed rather than cured outright: symptoms are controlled with consistent lid care, and flare-ups are treated as they occur.

Types

• Anterior blepharitis: affects the base of the lashes; crusting and scaling, associated with bacteria and with seborrhoeic dermatitis.
• Posterior blepharitis (meibomian gland dysfunction): the oil glands within the lid become blocked and their secretion thickens. The tear film loses its lipid layer and evaporative dry eye follows.
• Demodex blepharitis: associated with mites at the lash root, characterised by cylindrical dandruff around the lashes; treatment differs.

Symptoms

• Burning, itching and a gritty sensation, typically worse on waking
• Redness and thickening of the lid margins; crusting and stuck-together lashes
• Watering, fluctuating blurred vision, contact lens intolerance
• Recurrent styes and chalazia; in long-standing disease, lash loss or misdirection

Treatment

• Warm compresses: 5–10 minutes to soften the meibomian secretions
• Lid margin cleaning: gentle mechanical cleaning with a purpose-made lid cleanser or dilute baby shampoo, applied along the lash line
• Lubricants: preservative-free artificial tears for the accompanying dry eye
• Topical antibiotic or anti-inflammatory treatment: for flare-ups, on medical advice
• Oral treatment: low-dose doxycycline or azithromycin in resistant meibomian gland disease, prescribed and monitored by a physician
• Demodex: requires specific treatment, such as tea tree oil derived preparations used under supervision
• Associated conditions: rosacea and seborrhoeic dermatitis are treated in parallel

Lid hygiene has to be continued after the symptoms settle; stopping it is the commonest reason for recurrence.

Why blepharitis matters before eye surgery

Active lid margin inflammation raises the risk of infection after intraocular surgery and affects the accuracy of measurements. In refractive surgery it worsens postoperative dry eye and destabilises the tear film, which in turn degrades corneal topography. For this reason blepharitis is treated and the ocular surface stabilised before laser or lens surgery is planned.

Frequently asked questions

Can blepharitis be cured completely?

It is usually a chronic condition. Symptoms are controlled with continued lid hygiene and flare-ups are treated.

How should I clean my eyelids?

Warm compress for 5–10 minutes, then gentle cleaning along the lash line with a lid cleanser, as advised by your doctor.

Is blepharitis contagious?

No. It is an inflammatory condition of the lid margin, not a transmissible infection.

Does blepharitis prevent laser eye surgery?

It must be treated first. Active lid inflammation destabilises the tear film, affects topography and increases postoperative dry eye.

Medically reviewed by

Op. Dr. Alim Hüseynov — Ophthalmologist — refractive laser surgery, cornea and oculoplastic surgery, Nişantaşı Hastanesi Göz Merkezi. Our doctors

This page is for general information and does not replace an examination by a doctor. Treatment decisions are made after examination and diagnostic tests.