Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelids, which occurs frequently in both children and adults. It primarily affects the eyelid margins and is often accompanied by a functional disorder of the meibomian glands (meibomian gland dysfunction, MGD). Both conditions are chronic but can be well controlled with consistent care.
In blepharitis, the eyelid margins are red, swollen, and irritated. Typical features include crusts or scales on the eyelashes, a burning or itching sensation, and fluctuating visual acuity. In more severe cases, the inflammation can spread to the cornea and cause discomfort there.
The meibomian glands are located in the upper and lower eyelids and produce an oily secretion that stabilizes the tear film and prevents rapid evaporation of tear fluid. In MGD, these glands are blocked and produce too little or poor-quality oil. The result is an unstable tear film, which leads to dry, irritated eyes.
The exact cause of blepharitis and MGD is not fully understood. The following factors often play a role:
No. Blepharitis and MGD are not transmitted from person to person and are fundamentally different from conjunctivitis.
Blepharitis cannot be cured permanently, but symptoms can be significantly relieved through regular eyelid care. Consistency is important — the care routine should be maintained even during symptom-free periods.
Heat liquefies the stagnant secretion in the meibomian glands and facilitates drainage. Use a warm, moist cloth, a special warming mask, or a warm tea bag and apply it for about 5–10 minutes on the closed eyes. For acute symptoms, twice daily is recommended; for prevention, once daily.
After applying heat, gently massage the eyelids to express the liquefied secretion from the glands. For the lower eyelid, roll from bottom to top; for the upper eyelid, from top to bottom. Use your fingertips and apply only gentle pressure.
Clean the eyelid margins with a moist cotton swab, a clean cloth, or special eyelid cleaning wipes. A mild soap or diluted baby shampoo can be used. Wipe along the base of the lashes to remove crusts and excess secretion.
Taking omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., as fish oil or linseed oil) can improve the quality of meibomian gland secretion. Consult your doctor before taking, especially if you or your child are taking other medications.
In persistent cases, the ophthalmologist may additionally prescribe:
For treatment-resistant cases, additional treatments are available in the ophthalmology practice, such as special thermal treatment devices that warm and express the meibomian glands in a controlled manner, or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
Consult an ophthalmologist if symptoms do not improve despite regular eyelid care, if visual acuity is impaired, if styes recur repeatedly, or if the eyes are severely red and painful. A specialist evaluation is important to tailor treatment individually and avoid complications.