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Overview of Blepharitis 
Blepharitis is a condition which produces inflammation of the eyelid edges. However, it can also involve the eye-lids, eyelashes, and meibomian glands. The meibomian glands function to lubricate the lids. The conjunctiva, or clear membrane overlying the white part of the eye may also be involved, producing red eye.
Causes of Blepharitis
Blepharitis is usually caused be a bacterial infection, usually staphylococcal in origin, of the eye-lash follicles and the meibomian glands. Occasionally, an allergic reaction, which is usually less serious, can produce similar symptoms. Rarely, body lice can infect the lids.
Signs and Symptoms of Blepharitis
Symptoms of blepharitis include redness of the eyelids and greasy scales on the eyelid edges. Eyelashes may fall out and small ulcers may develop on the eyelid. Crusts then form over the ulcers which may bleed if the crusts are removed. There may be discomfort in the eye, itself, from debris falling into the eye from the inflamed eyelids. Itching, burning, redness, swelling of the lid, sensitivity to bright light , tearing, discharge from the lids, which glues lashes together during sleep, and sensitivity to light are all symptoms that occur with blepharitis.
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