When your eyelids feel gritty, red, or stuck together in the morning, you’re not just dealing with dryness—you might have blepharitis, a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins that often flares up without warning. Also known as eyelid inflammation, it’s one of the most common eye conditions seen by doctors, yet it’s often dismissed as "just dandruff on your eyelashes." But this isn’t cosmetic—it can lead to burning, light sensitivity, and even blurred vision if left unchecked.
Blepharitis comes in two main types: anterior blepharitis, which affects the outer edge of the eyelid where lashes grow, often caused by bacteria or scalp dandruff, and posterior blepharitis, which targets the inner eyelid near the oil glands, usually from clogged meibomian glands. Many people have both at once. It’s not contagious, but it’s persistent. People with rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or dry eyes are more likely to get it. And while it’s not dangerous, it’s incredibly annoying—especially when it comes back after you think you’ve cleared it.
Most treatments focus on cleaning and calming the eyelids. Warm compresses, gentle lid scrubs with baby shampoo or special wipes, and avoiding eye makeup during flare-ups are the foundation. Antibiotics or steroid drops might help short-term, but they don’t fix the root problem: blocked oil glands and bacterial overgrowth. The real key? Consistency. Just like brushing your teeth, daily eyelid hygiene is the only thing that keeps it under control long-term. Some people swear by tea tree oil wipes for mites, others find relief with omega-3 supplements to thin out oily secretions. There’s no magic pill, but there are proven steps that work—if you stick with them.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides on managing blepharitis—not just the basics, but the details most people miss. From how to clean your eyelids without irritating them, to what over-the-counter products actually help, to how to tell if your symptoms are something worse. These aren’t generic tips. They’re written for people who’ve tried everything and still wake up with crusty lids. If you’re tired of temporary fixes, these posts show you what actually works.
