Yes, blepharitis often worsens with age because age-related changes, like less effective oil glands (meibomian glands) and thinning skin, make it more common, especially after 40, and conditions that also worsen with age (like rosacea or dry eye) increase the risk, though it can affect any age. It's a chronic condition, meaning it tends to recur, and while manageable with consistent treatment, it can become more persistent as you get older.
Other causes include poor eyelid hygiene, bacterial infections, or allergic reactions. Blepharitis can begin at any age and gets worse with aging, so it's important to identify and treat it.
Allergies: Allergies to contact lens solution, eye drops or makeup can spur irritation. Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis): Dandruff flaking can irritate eyelids and cause inflammation. Dry eyes: Dry tear ducts can alter bacterial resistance, resulting in infection.
Self care
Blepharitis can be uncomfortable. But it isn't contagious, and it usually doesn't cause any lasting damage to your eyes. The main treatment for blepharitis is regularly cleaning your eyelids and keeping them free of crusts. Blepharitis usually doesn't go away completely, but you can take steps to manage your symptoms.
Wearing eye make-up, particularly eyeliner, may make symptoms worse. It is best to avoid eyeliner, particularly during a flare-up of blepharitis. Rubbing your eyelids may make the inflammation worse, so try to avoid doing this.
Blepharitis progresses through stages, generally moving from initial inflammation and mild crusting (Stage 1) to blocked meibomian glands and swelling (Stage 2). Further progression involves increased crusting, lash misdirection, and inflammation (Stage 3), leading to severe dry eye, lash loss, and potential eyelid structural changes like entropion or ectropion in advanced cases (Stage 4).
XDEMVY® is the only FDA-approved eye drop that breaks up the mite parties that cause Demodex blepharitis (DB).
Most of the time, blepharitis happens because you have too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes. Having bacteria on your skin is normal, but too much bacteria can cause problems. You can also get blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or irritated.
Can diet impact blepharitis symptoms? Yes, diet can influence blepharitis symptoms, particularly when it comes to inflammation and oil gland function. Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help improve meibomian gland health and reduce eyelid inflammation.
As with many health conditions, blepharitis can be intensified by stress and anxiety, especially those patients with compromised immune systems. New research also indicates that patients with hormonal imbalance, as well as allergies, are also highly susceptible to this condition.
Safety signals, predominantly associated with blepharitis, were also identified for isotretinoin, docetaxel, panitumumab, cetuximab, tretinoin, alendronate, erlotinib, zoledronate, daxibotulinumtoxinA, and infliximab.
There is no cure for blepharitis, but establishing a daily eyelid-cleaning routine can help control the symptoms and any dryness can be treated with artificial tear drops. Lid cleaning often needs to be continued indefinitely to prevent recurrence.
Due to similarities in the signs and symptoms between Phthiriasis palpebrarum and blepharitis, the two conditions can easily be misdiagnosed by clinicians.
Stage 3: Severe Blepharitis
In this stage, symptoms intensify further. There may be significant inflammation of the eyelids, leading to pronounced redness, swelling, and discomfort. Individuals may experience frequent and persistent symptoms, including irritation, dryness, and blurry vision.
Keratitis is when the cornea becomes damaged, and can happen as a result of severe blepharitis.
Those that stare at a computer screen for large periods of time throughout the day are also more prone to blepharitis, especially when sitting in an air-conditioned room or office.
A GP might suggest using an antibiotic cream or ointment that you rub on your eyelid if your blepharitis does not clear up after cleaning your eyelids regularly. If blepharitis has caused other problems, such as a lump of fluid under the skin (cyst), antibiotic eyedrops or tablets may be recommended.
Common symptoms of blepharitis include: Eyelid redness, swelling, or painful tenderness. Foreign body sensation that is sandy or gritty.
Blepharitis comes from inflammation of the eyelids, often due to an overgrowth of Staphylococcus bacteria, blocked oil (meibomian) glands, or Demodex mites, linked to skin conditions like dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) or rosacea, allergies, or poor eye hygiene, leading to crusty, red, irritated eyelids. It's a multifactorial condition, meaning several factors can contribute, and the exact cause isn't always clear, but it involves bacterial issues, oil gland dysfunction, and sometimes parasites.
Applying heat to the eyelid margins helps oils flow better out of the eyelid glands and melts the “thickened” oil that is blocking the eyelid glands. Place a warm (not too hot) wet washcloth gently to the closed eyes to apply heat on the eyelids. Leave in place for four to five minutes.
With proper treatment and consistent eyelid hygiene, you may start to see improvement within a few days to two weeks. However, because blepharitis is often a chronic condition, flare-ups can return if treatment is stopped. Think of blepharitis management as a long-term commitment—like brushing your teeth.
Symptoms of blepharitis can resemble those of other conditions, so it is important for patients to see an ophthalmologist if they have any of these symptoms: Blurred vision. Crusty, dandruff-like scales at the base of the eyelashes.
When this happens, both eyes are often affected and the condition is usually chronic, but not infectious. Though it is not so severe as to cause blindness, blepharitis can interfere with the daily life and impact your personality.
The symptoms of blepharitis may be present in one eye or in both. For most people, the symptoms are the worst in the morning.