What causes blepharitis?

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What causes blepharitis?

The causes of blepharitis are not well known and there is rarely a single cause. Bacteria or conditions that cause inflammation are believed to among the culprits.

These include:

Anterior Blepharitis

  • Acne rosacea. Rosacea causes facial skin inflammation, including eyelids.
  • Allergies. Allergies to contact lens solution, eye drops or makeup can spur irritation.
  • Dandruff (Seborrheic dermatitis). Dandruff flaking can irritate eyelids and cause inflammation.
  • Dry eye. Dry tear ducts can alter bacterial resistance, resulting in infection.
  • Lice or mites in eyelashes (Demodicosis). Eyelash follicles and glands become blocked with demodex mites or lice. One study found 30% of chronic blepharitis patients had demodex mites.

Posterior Blepharitis

  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Openings of oil-producing glands in your eyelids become plugged, causing dry eye, which can result in inflammation and infection. This common type may be the least preventable. Posterior blepharitis may also be triggered by skin conditions, such as rosacea or dandruff.

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