Blepharitis

No, blepharitis generally doesn’t resolve on its own. It needs consistent management — regular eyelid hygiene and, in some cases, professional treatment.

Without proper care, symptoms can worsen. Complications include chronic dry eye syndrome (as the inflammation disrupts the tear film), eyelash loss or misdirected growth, and styes or chalazia (eyelid cysts) forming from blocked oil glands. Untreated blepharitis also increases the risk of eye infections like conjunctivitis.

The good news is that regular cleaning of the eyelid margins helps remove oils, bacteria and debris, reducing flare-ups. If home care alone isn’t managing your symptoms, treatments like BlephEx can address the root cause more thoroughly.

Regular eyelid hygiene, such as cleaning the eyelids with recommended solutions, avoiding eye makeup during flare-ups, and managing skin conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis or rosacea can help prevent blepharitis.

No, blepharitis is not contagious — it can’t be passed from one person to another. But it can affect people with certain risk factors, such as underlying skin conditions.

Blepharitis is often linked to an overgrowth of bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus, or problems with the oil-producing glands in the eyelids, which can also cause dry, gritty eyes. Skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea can increase your risk, as can wearing contact lenses (due to bacterial buildup and lens irritation) or having oily skin.

It affects people of all ages. While you can’t catch it from someone else, it may require ongoing care to manage effectively.

Yes, contact lens wearers are at a higher risk of developing blepharitis, especially if proper lens hygiene is not maintained. It’s important to clean and disinfect your lenses regularly and replace them as recommended to reduce the risk.

If left untreated, blepharitis can lead to complications like chronic dry eyes and increased risk of eye infections, which may affect vision. It’s important to manage the condition to avoid such issues.

BlephEx is a painless, in-office procedure that removes debris and bacteria from the eyelid margins, giving relief from blepharitis symptoms. Our experienced eye care specialists perform it to reduce scurf, bacterial debris, and inflammation, thoroughly cleaning the eyelid margins to ease itching, irritation, and swelling.

BlephEx addresses the root cause — the buildup of oils and bacteria — rather than just easing symptoms temporarily. It’s available at Opticare as part of our OptiPlan Complete service, giving you comprehensive eye care and ongoing support for your eyelid health.

If home treatments like warm compresses and eyelid hygiene aren’t fully managing your symptoms, or your blepharitis keeps recurring, BlephEx is often the next step we’d recommend.

Yes, over-the-counter products like eyelid wipes and cleansers, such as Blephasol or Blephaclean, can help manage and prevent symptoms, but it’s important to seek professional advice for persistent or severe cases.

While diet is not a primary cause, certain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, may help promote eye health and reduce inflammation, potentially easing symptoms of blepharitis.