Blepharitis (bleff-er-I-tis) is an eye infection which produces symptoms of sticky, crust, and reddened eyelids. You may also experience itchy, burning and swollen eyelids. This eye infection results which excess oil is produced in the glands near the eyelashes. This makes a wonderful growing environment for bacteria and the result usually is a crusty inflammation that makes you feel like there is sand in your eyes when you blink.

Blepharitis can cause a loss of eyelashes. Fortunately, this condition is easily treated and rarely threatens your sight. To avoid severe problems, if you have symptoms of blepharitis, see an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Your eye care specialist may recommend cleaning your eyelids carefully by soaking a clean lint-free cloth in warm water, wringing it out, and placing it over your eyes as compress to ease the removal of the flakes. If local treatment does not work, treatment of oral antibiotics or corticosteriod medications may be prescribed. This information is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis or medical care. Consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist for further information.