Blepharitis / Meibomitis (Eyelid Inflammation)

Blepharitis / Meibomitis is a common, long-term inflammation of the eyelid margins. The rims of the eyelids become red, irritated, and sometimes swollen. It can affect people of any age but is more common in young children and adults over 50.
It is not contagious — you cannot catch it from someone else.

1. Symptoms of Blepharitis / Meibomitis

his condition often comes and goes, with symptoms flaring up at times and improving later.
Common symptoms include:

  1. Red, sore, or swollen eyelids
  2. Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation in the eyes
  3. Itching around the eyes or eyelids
  4. Crusts or flakes at the base of the eyelashes
  5. Eyelids sticking together on waking up
  6. Red or watery eyes
  7. Increased blinking or sensitivity to light

Sometimes, Blepharitis / Meibomitis can lead to dry eyes or small eyelid swellings (chalazions).
When symptoms are active, try to avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until the lids settle.

2. Why Does Blepharitis / Meibomitis Happen?

Each eyelid has tiny oil glands that keep your eyes comfortable. In Blepharitis / Meibomitis, these glands can become blocked or inflamed, leading to irritation.
It can occur more often in people with skin conditions like eczema, acne, or rosacea, or in those prone to allergies such as asthma.
Some people may also be sensitive to bacteria that naturally live on the skin.

3. Treatment and Care

Blepharitis / Meibomitis is usually chronic (long-term) and tends to recur. There is no complete cure, but with regular care, it can be controlled very well.

The mainstay of treatment is daily eyelid hygiene to keep the glands clear and healthy.
If dryness is present, lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) can help.

For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe:

  1. Antibiotic ointments or drops for the eyelids
  2. Oral antibiotics for a few weeks, especially if rosacea is present
  3. Steroid eye drops (short term only) if inflammation is significant

4. Daily Eyelid Hygiene Routine

Good eyelid care is the most important part of treatment.
This should be done twice a day, even when your eyes feel comfortable, to prevent recurrence.

  1. Step 1: Warm Compress (3 minutes)
    Use a clean, warm flannel or a microwavable eye bag. Hold it gently on closed eyelids for about 3 minutes.
    This softens the oil in the glands. Be careful not to make it too hot.
  2. Step 2: Gentle Lid Massage
    Immediately after the warm compress, gently massage your eyelids to help clear the oil from the glands.
    For the upper lid: look down and gently press or roll your finger toward the lashes.
    For the lower lid: look up and roll upward toward the lashes.
  3. Step 3: Cleaning the Eyelid Margins
    Moisten a cotton bud with clean water or use ready-made eyelid wipes.
    Gently clean along the lash line to remove flakes, crusts, and excess oil.
    Pull the lid slightly away from the eye if needed to clean behind the lashes.

5. Possible Complications

If the oil glands remain blocked, a chalazion (meibomian cyst) may form — a small, round, painless bump on the eyelid.
Regular warm compresses can help it resolve.
Occasionally, the cyst can become red and tender due to infection.
Rarely, untreated Blepharitis / Meibomitis can affect the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), which requires prompt medical care.

Summary

Blepharitis / Meibomitis is common and manageable with regular care.
It is not contagious.
Daily lid hygiene is the key to keeping symptoms under control.
See your eye doctor if symptoms persist, worsen, or affect your vision.