Eye Health Guide · ORINvue
Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)
Hindi / common name: Blepharitis (palkon ki jalan aur sujan / palkon par papdi)
Blepharitis is a common, long-term inflammation of the eyelid margins, where the eyelashes grow. It makes the eyelids red, itchy and crusty, and often causes gritty, burning eyes. Blepharitis is usually not serious and does not damage vision, but it tends to come and go. The key to controlling it is a simple daily eyelid-cleaning routine.
Symptoms of blepharitis
- Red, swollen or greasy eyelid edges
- Crusts or flakes at the base of the eyelashes, especially in the morning
- Itchy, burning or gritty eyes
- Eyelids sticking together on waking
- Watery or dry eyes
- Frequent styes, misdirected or falling eyelashes
Causes and risk factors
- Blocked or poorly working oil glands in the eyelids (meibomian gland dysfunction)
- Bacteria that normally live on the skin
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff) of the scalp and eyebrows
- Rosacea
- Tiny mites (Demodex) living in eyelash follicles
- Allergies, and old or contaminated eye make-up
How it is diagnosed
An eye doctor or optometrist diagnoses blepharitis by examining the eyelid margins, eyelashes and oil glands with a slit lamp. They also check for related dry eye and styes.
Treatment options
- Warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a day to loosen oils and crusts
- Gentle eyelid massage and cleaning with a cotton bud or lid wipes, using diluted baby shampoo or a commercial lid cleanser
- Lubricating eye drops for associated dryness
- Antibiotic ointment or tablets, or other treatments for mites, if prescribed by an eye doctor
- Treating dandruff or rosacea
Glasses and lens options
People with blepharitis often find contact lenses uncomfortable during flares; switching to glasses can help. Keep spectacle nose pads and frames clean, as oil and debris can collect there.
Prevention and everyday care
- Make eyelid cleaning part of your daily routine, even when symptoms settle
- Remove eye make-up every night and replace it every few months
- Do not share kajal or eye make-up
- Use anti-dandruff shampoo if you have dandruff
- Wash hands before touching your eyes
When to see an eye specialist the same day
- Painful red eye with reduced vision
- Strong sensitivity to light
- A lump that keeps returning in the same place on the eyelid
- Eyelash loss with a persistent sore on one eyelid
Blepharitis in Lucknow
Heat, sweat and dust in Lucknow's summers can make eyelid inflammation flare. A daily two-minute lid routine usually keeps it under control.
How ORINvue can help
During your eye test at ORINvue, free with every spectacle package, our qualified optometrist, Khushboo Gangwar, also looks at your eyelids and guides you to a trusted eye specialist if they need treatment. ORINvue can also help with comfortable glasses, from ₹999 all-inclusive, for times when contact lenses feel irritating.
Book Free Eye TestFrequently asked questions about Blepharitis
Can blepharitis be cured?
It is usually a long-term condition that can be controlled very well with daily lid hygiene, but it may flare up from time to time.
Is blepharitis contagious?
No. It is not spread from person to person.
Can I use baby shampoo to clean my eyelids?
Many doctors suggest a few drops of diluted baby shampoo in warm water, or a commercial lid cleanser. Avoid getting it into the eye.
Does blepharitis affect vision?
It does not usually harm vision, but it can cause blurring from an unstable tear film and lead to styes or dry eye.
Should I stop wearing contact lenses?
During flares, glasses are often more comfortable. Ask your eye care practitioner about returning to lenses.
How long should I keep doing lid hygiene?
Most people need to continue a simple routine long term, even after symptoms improve, because blepharitis tends to return when the routine stops. Once or twice a day is usually enough.
Explore more: Eye Health Guide (all conditions) · Optical & spectacles questions answered · ORINvue blog
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Every eye test is done by our qualified optometrist, Khushboo Gangwar, free with every spectacle package. Opening December 2026 in Kalyanpur, Vikas Nagar, Lucknow. Open daily 10 AM–10 PM.
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