Question 1

What is blepharitis?

Accepted Answer

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid edges. It causes sore, itchy lids, a gritty feeling, crusts around the lash roots and lids that stick together in the morning. It's common, usually not serious, and symptoms tend to come and go.

Question 2

Is blepharitis contagious?

Accepted Answer

No. Blepharitis can't be spread to other people. It's linked to bacteria that normally live on the skin, skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, and eyelid oil glands not working properly.

Question 3

How do I clean my eyelids if I have blepharitis?

Accepted Answer

The NHS suggests a warm, damp flannel on closed lids for 5 to 10 minutes, a gentle 30-second massage, then wiping along the lid edges to remove crusts. Do it twice a day, and keep going even after your lids feel better. See our step-by-step guide.

Question 4

Can I wear make-up or contact lenses with blepharitis?

Accepted Answer

The NHS advises avoiding contact lenses and eye make-up, especially eyeliner and mascara, while you have symptoms.

Question 5

When should I see a doctor about blepharitis?

Accepted Answer

See a GP if your symptoms don't improve or get worse despite daily lid cleaning. Get urgent advice from a GP or NHS 111 for eye pain, changes to your vision, or very red eyes.

Question 6

What is a stye?

Accepted Answer

A stye is a small, painful lump on or inside the eyelid, usually caused by bacteria infecting an eyelash follicle or eyelid gland. It normally affects one eye and should go away within about a week.

Question 7

How do I get rid of a stye?

Accepted Answer

Hold a clean flannel soaked in warm water against the eye for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 4 times a day. Don't try to burst it or pull out an eyelash, as this can spread the infection.

Question 8

What's the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

Accepted Answer

A stye is usually painful. A chalazion (meibomian cyst) is a lump that feels hard but isn't very painful. If there's no lump but the eye is red, swollen and watery, it's more likely to be conjunctivitis or blepharitis.

Question 9

When is a stye an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if the stye is very painful or swollen, affects your vision, produces pus, or the infection spreads to your eye or eyelid. See a GP if it hasn't improved within a few weeks.

Question 10

What causes dry eyes?

Accepted Answer

Dry eyes happen when you don't make enough tears or they evaporate too quickly. Common triggers include being over 50, contact lenses, long screen sessions, heated or air-conditioned rooms, wind, smoking and some medicines. Conditions such as blepharitis can contribute too.

Question 11

Why do dry eyes water so much?

Accepted Answer

Watery eyes are a common dry-eye symptom. When the surface of the eye is irritated, it can produce extra reflex tears, even though the tear film isn't doing its job properly.

Question 12

What helps dry eyes at home?

Accepted Answer

The NHS suggests cleaning your eyelids daily (warm flannel, gentle massage, then wipe the lid edges), taking regular screen breaks, keeping screens slightly below eye level and using a humidifier. A pharmacist can recommend eye drops, gels or ointments. Try our 20-20-20 eye-break timer.

Question 13

What is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)?

Accepted Answer

The meibomian glands along your eyelid edges make the oily layer of your tears. When they don't produce enough oil, tears evaporate too fast and eyes can feel dry and gritty. Daily warm compresses and lid cleaning are the usual first steps. Read our MGD guide.

Question 14

When should I see someone about dry eyes?

Accepted Answer

See an optician or GP if dry eyes persist after a few weeks of home care or your eyelids change shape. Get urgent help for a painful red eye, or a red eye while wearing contact lenses. Call 999 or go to A&E for sudden vision changes, pain looking at light, or a red eye with severe headache and nausea.

Question 15

How often should I clean my eyelids?

Accepted Answer

If your lids are prone to blepharitis, the NHS advises cleaning them twice a day, and carrying on after symptoms clear, because it often comes back. If your lids are fine, gentle cleansing as part of your normal routine is enough.

Question 16

What can I use to clean my eyelids?

Accepted Answer

The NHS suggests warm water, or water with a small amount of baby shampoo, on cotton wool or a cotton bud. A pharmacist can also suggest eyelid wipes or lid-cleaning products. See what to look for in eyelid wipes.

Question 17

What are eyelash mites (Demodex)?

Accepted Answer

Demodex are tiny mites that live on human skin and hair follicles, including the lashes, in many healthy adults. In some people, larger numbers are linked with crusty, irritated lid margins. A thorough daily lid-hygiene routine is usually the first step; an optometrist can check your lashes. Read our Demodex guide.

Question 18

Why are my eyelids itchy, flaky or sticky?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include allergy, blepharitis and conjunctivitis. Dry, rough patches on the lid skin itself are often eyelid eczema. A pharmacist can advise, and you shouldn't self-diagnose. See our guide to dry, flaky eyelids.

Question 19

How often should I replace mascara?

Accepted Answer

Many eye-care bodies advise replacing mascara about 3 months after opening. The US FDA notes that manufacturers usually suggest discarding it 2 to 4 months after purchase. Use our free mascara replace-by calculator.

Question 20

Is it safe to share eye make-up?

Accepted Answer

No. Sharing eye cosmetics can pass on germs, and store testers carry extra risk. If you've had an eye infection, throw away the eye make-up you were using at the time, and avoid eye make-up while the skin around your eyes is inflamed.

Eyelid care questions, answered

Blepharitis