Blepharitis

Blepharitis (i.e., eyelid inflammation) is a common inflammation of the eyelid margins (the lash-line area). It often shows up as itching, redness, burning, crusting, or “gritty” discomfort, especially in the morning.

The good news: it’s usually manageable. The annoying news: it often behaves like a “maintenance” condition, better with a routine, worse when you stop.

Quick takeaway

Blepharitis is often driven by buildup + irritation at the lash line and/or oil-gland dysfunction. That’s why clinicians commonly recommend a simple daily plan:

  • Warm compress (as directed) to support oil flow
  • Gentle lid cleansing to remove crusts, debris, and irritants
  • Consistency (a repeatable routine beats “going nuclear” once a month)

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is inflammation along the eyelid edges. It can involve:

  • Anterior blepharitis (front of the lid, near the lashes) — often crusting/scaling at the lash base
  • Posterior blepharitis (back of the lid) — often linked with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where oil glands don’t express healthy oils

Many people with blepharitis also have dry-eye symptoms because the tear film depends on healthy eyelid oils.

Common symptoms

How it can feel

  • Burning, stinging, or “gritty” sensation
  • Itching along the lash line
  • Watery eyes (yes, watering can be a dry-eye signal)
  • Fluctuating vision that improves after blinking

What you may notice

  • Red or swollen lid margins
  • Crusts/flakes at the base of lashes
  • Lids stuck together in the morning
  • Greasy-looking lids or lash-line debris

What causes it (common drivers)

Blepharitis usually isn’t one single thing. It’s often a mix of irritation and imbalance at the lid margin, such as:

  • Bacterial overgrowth on the eyelid margin
  • Oil gland dysfunction (MGD) — thicker oils, blocked glands, poor oil flow
  • Skin conditions like dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea
  • Demodex mites (in some patients) contributing to stubborn lash-line irritation and debris
  • Makeup, contact lenses, and environmental stress that worsen inflammation for some people

At-home routine (simple, clinician-style)

  1. Warm compress
    Use a warm (not hot) compress as directed by your clinician to loosen debris and support natural oil flow. Many people do this for a few minutes before cleaning.
  2. Gentle lid cleansing
    Clean along the lash line to remove crusts, debris, and buildup. Avoid aggressive scrubbing—irritation can backfire.
  3. Repeat consistently
    Blepharitis often improves with steady habits. A routine you can follow daily tends to beat a complicated plan you abandon.

Tip: If you wear contact lenses or eye makeup, your clinician may recommend pausing temporarily during flare-ups to make hygiene easier.

What your eye doctor may recommend

If at-home care isn’t enough, or if there’s significant inflammation, clinics may add treatments based on the underlying cause. Examples can include:

Medications (when appropriate)

  • Prescription ointments or drops
  • Anti-inflammatory therapy (short courses in selected cases)
  • Oral medications for certain patterns (for example, rosacea/MGD-related)

In-office support

  • Lid-margin cleaning/debridement in stubborn cases
  • Heat + expression approaches for MGD (clinic-dependent)
  • Targeted options if Demodex is a major contributor

Where Zocular fits (at-home eyelid hygiene)

Blepharitis care often starts with repeatable lid hygiene. Zocular products are designed to make that routine simpler— especially for patients who struggle with harsher cleansers. Always follow the routine recommended by your eye care professional.

  • ZocuFoam — daily foaming eyelid cleanser for lash-line hygiene
  • ZocuWipe — pre-moistened wipes for on-the-go eyelid cleansing

Related topics

Demodex & lash-line irritation

When itching and debris persist, Demodex may be part of the picture.

Learn about Demodex →

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Oil gland issues can drive dryness and lid inflammation.

Learn about MGD →

Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye symptoms often overlap with blepharitis.

Learn about dry eye →

When to contact your eye doctor

Contact your eye care professional promptly if you have any of the following:

  • Eye pain, significant light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes
  • Worsening redness or swelling, especially if one-sided
  • Pus-like discharge, fever, or concern about infection
  • A new tender bump, or a lump that persists
  • Symptoms that don’t improve despite a consistent routine