A sudden onset of blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, is typically an acute reaction to an infection, an allergen, or an underlying skin condition. It's caused by a variety of factors, most commonly an overgrowth of bacteria on the eyelids, clogged oil glands, or allergies.
Blepharitis is caused by multiple issues and can be either chronic (symptoms on and off for months to years) or acute (sudden symptoms within the past week).
Self care
Causes & risk factors
Posterior blepharitis can occur when the glands of the eyelids irregularly produce oil (meibomian blepharitis). This creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Posterior blepharitis can also develop as a result of other skin conditions, such as rosacea and scalp dandruff.
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.
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.
In my experience, certain foods may trigger blepharitis. These include processed or fried foods, sugar, white flour and fizzy drinks tends to aggravate the condition.
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.
Due to similarities in the signs and symptoms between Phthiriasis palpebrarum and blepharitis, the two conditions can easily be misdiagnosed by clinicians.
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.
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.
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.
Complications of Blepharitis
Eyelid skin problems—You can get scarring on your eyelids, or the edges might turn inward or outward. Watery or dry eyes—Abnormal tear film can cause excess tearing or dry eyes and irritation. Stye—A painful lump near the base of the eyelashes.
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).
It works by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents further irritation. When it comes to blepharitis, which causes inflammation and crusting along the eyelid margins, this barrier can sometimes help by keeping the skin hydrated and reducing itchiness.
Causes of anterior blepharitis
Allergies: Allergies to contact lens solution, eye drops or makeup can spur irritation.
Blepharitis isn't associated with any particular patient demographic, but there is evidence suggesting it's linked to hormonal changes in women, diabetes, oral contraceptives or antidepressants, and several autoimmune disorders, including ocular rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome.
Known as Demodex, these bugs are also associated with the skin condition rosacea. Recent studies have suggested that anywhere from 42% to 81% of people with blepharitis also have an infestation of Demodex. Here's what physicians know about these invisible bugs, and how they can be diagnosed and treated.
No specific food is known to cause blepharitis directly. However, some foods and drinks might trigger underlying conditions like rosacea, which could, in turn, affect your eyelids. If you notice that your symptoms worsen after hot coffee, spicy foods, or alcohol, there could be a connection.
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.
Ulcerative blepharitis is typically caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly staphylococcal, but may also result from viral infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) or Varicella zoster. Nonulcerative blepharitis is usually an allergic reaction, such as atopic or seasonal allergies.
Blepharitis may be caused by usually harmless bacteria on eyelids that become overpopulated. Another common cause is clogged oil glands of the eyelid. Other diseases or conditions may play a role in blepharitis or make it more likely to occur.
Sugary Drinks
Drinks like soda, energy drinks, sweet tea, and lemonade contain high amounts of sugar. Consuming large amounts of sugar increases your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which can cause diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
15 Best Foods for Dry Eye