Serious complications of blepharitis are rare. The most common problem associated with blepharitis is being unable to wear contact lenses.

It may be necessary to use glasses until your symptoms are under control.

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common complication of blepharitis. It occurs when your eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to the eyes drying out and becoming inflamed (red and swollen).  It causes your eyes to feel dry, gritty and sore or watery.

The skin conditions associated with blepharitis can also affect the quality of your tears. This includes seborrhoeic dermatitis (a condition that causes your skin to become inflamed or flaky) and rosacea (a condition that mainly affects the face).

Eye drops containing ‘tear substitutes’ are usually enough to control dry eye syndrome. These eye drops are available over-the-counter from pharmacists, without a prescription.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane (thin layer of cells) that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner surfaces of the eyelids.
 
Conjunctivitis occurs when bacteria in the eyelid infect the eyes. The condition is not usually serious and should not affect your vision.

Most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and will pass in one to two weeks without the need for treatment. More severe cases of conjunctivitis are more likely in contact lens wearers.

Antibiotic eye-drops may be prescribed if your symptoms persist, or you have repeated infections. However, there is little evidence that antibiotic eye drops resolve the condition any quicker than waiting for it to clear up on its own.

Meibomian cyst

A Meibomian cyst is swelling on the inside of your eyelids. A cyst can develop if one of your Meibomian glands (glands that produce a fatty liquid that protects your eyes) becomes inflamed as a result of blepharitis.

Cysts are normally painless, unless they get infected. In this case, antibiotics may be needed. Applying a hot compress to the cyst should help bring the cyst down, although cysts disappear by themselves. If a cyst does not disappear, it can be removed with a simple surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic (painkilling medication).

Read more information about eyelid problems.

Styes

A stye is a painful swelling that produces pus and develops on the outside of your eyelid. Styes are caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle (the base of your eyelash).

A mild stye can be treated by applying a warm compress (a cloth warmed with hot water) to the area. More serious cases can be treated with antibiotic creams and tablets.