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BLEPHARITIS AND MEIBOMITIS

Conditions

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is the medical term for inflammation of the eyelid. It causes redness, irritation, itchy eyelids and the formation of scales on eyelashes.

Although uncomfortable, blepharitis is not contagious and does not usually cause serious eye damage. It can be treated but not cured; if untreated, it can sometimes lead to eyelid entropion from scarring.

Types of blepharitis

There are two types of blepharitis:

Anterior blepharitis occurs at the outside front edge of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are rooted
Posterior blepharitis affects the inner edge of the eyelid that is in contact with the eyeball

For blepharitis treatment information, you can go to our blog post.

What is Meibomitis?

Meibomitis is an inflammation of the meibomian glands closely related to blepharitis. The oily glands openings on the lid margins become blocked with inspicated meibomian secretions. The oil produced by the meibomian glands is thicker and has a milky appearance rather than a clear oil.

Meibomitis is also known as meibomian gland dysfunction or MGD (Meibomian gland disease).

Symptoms

Blepharitis may cause ‘grittiness’ and a burning sensation in the eyes, excessive tearing, irritation, red-rimmed and swollen eyelids, dry eyes, and crusting around the eyelash roots. Severe blepharitis can be associated with conjunctivitis, known as blepharoconjunctivitis.

Meibomitis plugging reduces the amount of good-quality oil and can make the tears sting and evaporate quickly. If the meibomitis is acute, the eyelids can be red, thickened and tender. Pressing on the eyelids can demonstrate the thickened milky oil, which has been likened to squeezing toothpaste.

In many cases, good eyelid hygiene and regular cleaning can control blepharitis. In cases where a bacterial infection is the cause, various antibiotics or other medication may be prescribed alongside good eyelid hygiene.

Causes

Anterior blepharitis is commonly caused by bacteria or dandruff from the scalp and eyebrows. Less commonly, it may be related to allergies or a low-grade infection. Posterior blepharitis may be caused by abnormal oil production from the eyelid glands. It can also develop as a result of other skin conditions such as acne rosacea.

Meibomitis is worse in patients with ocular acne rosacea.

If you are considering Blepharitis & Meibomitis treatment, you can see our prices and book a consultation with one of our specialists through the phone 020 7935 7990 or contact form.

Ms Laura Crawley

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract & Glaucoma Specialist

Ms Naz Raoof

Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist
Adult and Child Strabismus & Neuro-ophthalmology Specialist

Professor Sajjad Ahmad

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cornea & External Eye Diseases, Cataract, Keratoconus & Refractive Surgery Specialist

Miss Jane Olver

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Oculoplastic (Eyelid) & Lacrimal Specialist
Medical Director
President International Society Dacryology and Dry Eye 2024-2026