Blepharitis is a general term used to describe inflammation around the eyelids. This inflammation is typically on both the upper and lower eyelids, and it frequently occurs along the eyelid rim where the eyelashes are located. The glands that produce oil around the eyelashes are particularly likely to be affected, so the condition may occur alongside meibomian gland dysfunction. There can be many different underlying causes for this eye condition. It can be due to a bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection of the skin around the eyes. If you have an allergy, such as a reaction to your eye makeup, you may get the condition.
Those with other skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea are also more likely to get this condition. Until the underlying cause is addressed, it tends to be a chronic condition that may seem to get better and then occur again. Regardless of the cause, blepharitis typically leads to eye pain and discomfort. Despite the many unpleasant symptoms associated with this eye condition, it is not typically too severe and it is very treatable. The condition does not cause permanent eyesight damage as long as you seek treatment promptly. Since it is so important to treat blepharitis before it causes any sort of corneal infection, you need to know the signs and symptoms of the condition.
