What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a very common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelid margins. It often feels like soreness, irritation, crusting around the lashes, or a heavy, tired sensation in the eyes. Some people experience itching or stinging, while others feel as though their eyes are always dry or watery. It can be frustrating and persistent, and it tends to come and go in flare-ups. I often describe it to patients as ‘eczema of the eyelids’—it’s not dangerous, but it can be really uncomfortable and hard to manage without the right approach.
What causes blepharitis?
There isn’t just one cause. It is multifactorial. Sometimes blepharitis is due to bacteria or blocked oil glands near the lashes. Other times it’s linked to skin conditions like rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or even allergies. I’ve seen many patients where contact lens wear, screen fatigue, or even hormonal changes have played a role. Blepharitis can also be part of a wider dry eye picture. That’s why getting a proper assessment is important—so we can figure out what’s triggering it in your case and manage it properly.
Is it contagious?
No, blepharitis isn’t contagious. You can’t catch it or pass it on. It’s a chronic, inflammatory condition—not an infection like conjunctivitis. However, it can sometimes cause secondary infections or styes if left untreated.
Why does it keep coming back?
This is probably the most common question I’m asked. Blepharitis tends to be a long-term condition that flares up and settles down. For many people, it never completely goes away but it can be controlled with the right routine and targeted treatments. The trick is not just to deal with the flare-up, but to understand what’s driving the inflammation and keep the eyelid margins healthy between episodes.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but they usually include red or swollen eyelids, crusting around the lashes, itchy or gritty eyes, and a burning sensation. Some people wake up with sticky lids or notice their vision is temporarily blurry until they blink a few times. In more severe cases, the lashes can fall out or grow in the wrong direction, and the eyes can feel constantly irritated.
How is blepharitis diagnosed?
At Edgbaston Eye Clinic in Birmingham, I diagnose blepharitis through a detailed slit-lamp examination of your eyelids and lashes. I look for signs of inflammation, blocked oil glands, Demodex mites (a common and often overlooked cause), and other underlying conditions that may be contributing. If necessary, I’ll use magnified imaging to show you what’s going on, patients often find it helpful to actually see the problem. We also discuss your medical and skincare history to identify any possible links.
What does treatment involve?
Treatment depends on what type of blepharitis you have. For most people, it starts with daily eyelid hygiene—cleansing the lash line to remove debris, bacteria, and oil build-up. I might also recommend warm compresses, lid massage, or tea tree-based treatments if Demodex is involved. In some cases, short-term steroid drops or antibiotic ointments are needed to calm things down. If there’s an allergic or rosacea-related component, we’ll deal with that too. For ongoing care, I’ll help you build a realistic routine that fits into your lifestyle and actually works.
What if I’ve tried eyelid wipes and they don’t work?
This is very common. Many patients come to me after trying off-the-shelf eyelid wipes for months or even years with little or no improvement. Blepharitis often needs more targeted management than wipes alone can provide, especially if there’s inflammation, blocked glands or mites present. If you’ve been struggling, it’s worth having a proper clinical review so we can put together a personalised plan. I’ve helped many patients who felt like they’d hit a dead end.
Can blepharitis affect my vision?
While blepharitis itself doesn’t cause permanent vision loss, it can cause temporary blurring due to poor tear film quality, inflammation, or debris on the ocular surface. It can also make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. In some chronic cases, if left unmanaged, it can contribute to dry eye disease or even corneal problems—but this is rare with good care.
How much does a blepharitis consultation cost?
At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, a full blepharitis assessment and consultation is £120. This includes all necessary tests, a detailed examination of your eyelid margins and tear film, and a clear management plan tailored to your needs. Everything is explained thoroughly and there’s plenty of time to ask questions—this isn’t a rushed appointment.
And who will I be seeing?
You’ll be seeing me personally. I’ve been managing blepharitis and dry eye conditions for over 15 years, both in hospital clinics and now in private practice. At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, you’re not passed from one person to another, you’ll get continuity, attention to detail and a management plan built around you. If your eyelids have been sore for a long time, or nothing has helped so far, this is the kind of work I do every day.
How do I book an appointment?
You can get in touch with Edgbaston Eye Clinic by phone on 01217263199, email on info@edgbastoneyeclinic.com, or by using our online booking form. You don’t need a GP referral and we offer flexible appointment times, including weekends. If you’re tired of sore, irritated eyelids and want proper answers, we’re here to help.