Do your eyes ever feel sore, dry, or irritated — especially first thing in the morning? Have you noticed flakes or crusts around your eyelashes, or a feeling like there’s “something in your eye”? These could be signs of blepharitis, a very common eyelid condition that affects many adults, often without them realising.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelid margins. It can be caused by a build-up of bacteria, blockage of the tiny oil glands in the eyelids, or an overgrowth of the normal skin flora (such as Demodex mites). Over time, this can lead to irritation, redness, and discomfort that tends to come and go in flare-ups.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Itchy, sore or burning eyelids

  • Redness or swelling along the lash line

  • Crusting or flakes that look like dandruff on the lashes

  • A gritty or “foreign body” sensation in the eyes

  • Watery eyes or fluctuating vision

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Sticky eyelids on waking

  • Recurrent styes or meibomian cysts (lumps in the eyelid)

Blepharitis isn’t usually sight-threatening, but if it isn’t properly managed it can damage the tear film, increase the risk of dry eye, and in more severe cases can lead to inflammation or ulceration of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye).

I’ve recently been undertaking further professional training at the Holywell Teach and Treat Centre, and this week we saw a patient whose untreated blepharitis had unfortunately developed into corneal ulcers. It was a stark reminder of how important early diagnosis and consistent management can be.

The good news

With the right care, blepharitis is very manageable. Treatment focuses on improving eyelid hygiene and restoring the natural balance of the tear film. This often involves a tailored combination of:

  • Regular eyelid cleansing with medicated wipes or solutions

  • Warm compresses to loosen debris and unblock glands

  • Gentle massage to improve oil flow

  • Lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness

  • Advice on avoiding irritants such as make-up or false lashes during flare-ups

At Jacksons Styling Opticians, we can assess the cause and severity of your blepharitis and help you develop a practical routine to keep your symptoms under control and your eyes comfortable.

If any of the symptoms above sound familiar, please don’t ignore them. Call us on 01270 625889 or book an appointment online at jacksonsopticians.com/book — we’re here to help you protect your eye health and comfort.