Serious complications of blepharitis are rare. The most common problem associated with blepharitis is being unable to wear contact lenses. It may be necessary to use an alternative, such as glasses, until your symptoms are under control.
Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a common complication of blepharitis. Dry eye syndrome (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca) occurs when your eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to the eyes drying out and becoming inflamed (red and swollen).
Dry eye syndrome can occur because skin conditions associated with blepharitis can also affect the quality of your tears. These skin conditions include seborrhoeic dermatitis (a condition that causes your skin to become inflamed or flaky) and rosacea (a condition that mainly affects the face) .
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:
- feelings of dryness, grittiness or soreness, which get worse throughout the day
- watering eyes, particularly when you are exposed to wind
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can usually be successfully controlled using eye drops that contain ‘tear substitutes’. This is a liquid that is designed to mimic the properties of tears. The eye drops are available over-the-counter from pharmacists without a prescription.
See the Health A-Z topic about Dry eye syndrome for more information about this condition.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane (thin layer of cells) that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner surfaces of the eyelids.
Conjunctivitis occurs when bacteria in the eyelid infect the eyes. The condition is not usually serious and should not affect your vision.
Most cases of conjunctivitis will pass in one to two weeks without the need for treatment. Antibiotic eye-drops may be prescribed if your symptoms persist, or you have repeated infections. However, there is little evidence that antibiotic eye drops resolve the condition any quicker than waiting for it to clear up on its own.
See the Health A-Z topic about Infective conjunctivitis for more information about this condition.
Meibomian cyst
A Meibomian cyst is swelling on the inside of your eyelids. A cyst can develop if one of your Meibomian glands (the glands that produce a fatty liquid that protects your eyes) becomes inflamed as a result of blepharitis.
Cysts are normally painless, unless they get infected. In this case, antibiotics may be needed. Applying a hot compress to the cyst should help bring the cyst down, although cysts disappear by themselves. If a cyst does not disappear, it can be removed with a simple surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic (painkilling medication).
Styes
A stye is a painful swelling that produces pus and develops on the outside of your eyelid. Styes are caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle (the base of your eyelash).
A mild stye can be treated by applying a warm compress (a cloth warmed with hot water) to the area. More serious cases can be treated with antibiotic creams and tablets.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines that can be used to treat infections caused by micro-organisms, usually bacteria or fungi.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some are good for you.
Conjunctiva
The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane (thin layer of cells) that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner surfaces of the eyelids.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Meibomian glands
The Meibomian glands are located on the inside front edge of your eyelids. They produce a fatty liquid that makes up the outer layer of the tear film and protects your eyes.
