Sore, crusty or irritated eyelids in Reservoir
Blepharitis: understanding inflamed eyelid edges
Blepharitis is inflammation along the edges of the eyelids. It can make the lids look red or swollen and leave the eyelashes crusty or sticky, especially after sleep.
It commonly affects both eyes and can recur. Regular eyelid care often helps, but pain, light sensitivity or reduced vision needs prompt assessment because it may point to a different or more serious eye problem.
Common signs
Blepharitis can affect the eyelids, lashes and tear film.
Eyelid changes
Red or swollen lid edges, flakes or crusts around the eyelashes, and lashes that feel sticky on waking are common signs.
Eye discomfort
The eyes may feel itchy, burning, gritty or as though something is in them. Frequent blinking and mild sensitivity to light can occur.
Watery or variable vision
Tears may look watery or frothy, and vision can fluctuate if the eye surface is irritated. Persistent blur should be checked.
Why it happens
There is more than one possible cause.
Blepharitis may be associated with bacteria around the eyelashes, blocked oil glands in the eyelids, allergies or skin conditions such as dermatitis, dandruff or rosacea. Because several problems can look similar, an examination is useful when symptoms are persistent, recurrent or one-sided.
It is not the same as a stye
Blepharitis affects the eyelid margins more broadly. A stye or chalazion is usually a more localised eyelid lump, although the conditions can occur together.
It may resemble allergy
Itchy, watery eyes can also occur with eye allergies and hay fever. Timing, discharge, lid changes and examination findings help guide the next step.
Symptoms can return
Blepharitis is often long term or recurrent. Consistent care may be needed even after symptoms improve.
Simple eyelid care
Clean, comfortably warm compresses may help.
Wash your hands, then place a clean, warm damp face washer over the closed eyelids to soften crusts and secretions. Gently clean along the closed eyelid edges with a fresh clean pad or cloth. Use a separate clean surface for each eye.
Do not scrub the eye itself or use very hot water. Ask an optometrist, pharmacist or doctor before using an eyelid-cleaning product if you are unsure what is suitable.
Pause contact lenses and eye make-up while the eyes or eyelids are inflamed. Do not use someone else’s drops or leftover antibiotic or steroid drops; treatment depends on the cause and prescription medicines need clinical guidance.
When to arrange an assessment
Persistent or recurring symptoms deserve a closer look.
Book an assessment if symptoms do not start improving after a few days of careful self-care, keep returning, mainly affect one eye, or are accompanied by a new lump, discharge or ongoing blurred vision.
An eye examination can check the eyelid margins, eyelashes, tear film, eye surface and vision, and help identify whether routine eyelid care, medical treatment, GP review or ophthalmology input is appropriate.
When not to wait
Eye pain, light sensitivity or vision loss is not routine blepharitis.
Arrange urgent assessment for significant pain in the eye, marked light sensitivity, reduced or suddenly blurred vision, severe or spreading swelling, fever, an injury, or a red painful eye while wearing contact lenses. Go to an emergency department or call triple zero (000) for major sudden vision loss, severe trauma or possible stroke symptoms.
See our Red Eyes guide and Medical & Urgent Eye Care page for more detail.
Australian patient information
Sources used for this guide.
Eyelid and eye-surface assessment in Reservoir
Concerned about sore, crusty or recurring eyelids?
Book with Reservoir Spectacles, or call the practice if you are unsure how soon the eye should be assessed.