Most people who have blepharitis will experience repeated episodes followed by long periods of time where they do not have any symptoms. Both eyes are affected by blepharitis.
The symptoms of blepharitis can vary depending on what is causing it. The symptoms tend to be worse in the morning and can include:
- itchy, sore, red eyelids
- eyelids that stick together and may make it difficult to open your eyes when you wake up
- eyelashes that become crusty, or oily and greasy
- a burning, gritty sensation in your eyes
- increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- abnormal eyelash growth
- loss of eyelashes
- swollen eyelid margins (the edges of your eyelids)
Symptoms of other conditions
Blepharitis is often caused by another health condition, which may cause other symptoms as well (see Blepharitis - causes).
If you have blepharitis that is caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes your skin to become inflamed or flaky), you may also have:
If you have blepahritis that is caused by rosacea (a skin condition that mainly affects the face), you may also have:
Blepharitis is often associated with another condition called dry eye syndrome (an eye condition where the eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly). In some cases, up to half of people with blepharitis will also have dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye syndrome causes:
- feelings of dryness, grittiness or soreness in your eyes, which gets worse throughout the day
- redness of your eyes
- watering eyes, particularly when you are exposed to wind
