An acute or chronic, ulcerative or nonulcerative, bilateral inflammation of the hair follicles and glands along the edges of the eyelids.

Ulcerative blepharitis is caused by an acute bacterial infection (usually staphylococcus aureus) of the lid margins, and chronic types are associated with seborrhea of the scalp and eyebrows, or both.

The eyelids become red, tender, and swollen with sticky exudate and scales on the edges, and may become inverted; there may be itching, burning, and watering of the eyes with loss of eyelashes. During sleep, the eyelids may become glued together due to dried secretions.

Microscopic examination of scrapings and cultures of the eyelid margins may be done to identify causative organisms. Studies of antibiotic sensitivity may also be done.

Blepharitis caused by a staphylococcal infection is treated with an ophthalmic antibiotic ointment. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis is aimed at improving eyelid hygiene involving keeping the scalp and eyebrows clean with an antiseborrheic shampoo. Warm compresses and gentle cleansing of the lid margins with baby shampoo can help to loosen the dried secretions and scales, and allow trapped secretions to flow out.

Both types of blepharitis develop slowly, are recurrent, and may become chronic and resistant to treatment. Blepharitis rarely threatens sight.

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