Blepharitis, sometimes known a grainy eyelids, is an inflammation of the outer part of the eyelids where the eyelashes start. It is a relatively common condition that sometimes does not respond fully to treatment. In these cases it is known as a chronic blepharitis. The symptoms of blepharitis are itching and burning with some mild foreign body irritation, tearing and crusting around the eyes and eyelashes upon awakening. There may be some mild pain as well. This may cause the eyes to look bloodshot. The edges of the eyelids may appear red, as if there had been crying. Blepharitis can be caused by a number of bacterias such as staph or strep or can be related to dandruff or seborrheic. The white of the eyes may have a red appearance and there may be a mild mucus discharge as well. The treatment is to keep the lids clean of any crusting using mild baby shampoo two times per day on a cotton tip applicator or a washcloth. Warm compresses for 15 minutes four times a day is also helpful. Some patients with blepharitis can develop a mild dry eye condition and have to use Artificial Tears four to eight times per day as well. In some patients who have more severe types of blepharitis, antibiotics will be prescribed.

Eyelid cleaning and warm compresses can be reduced to once per day as the condition improves. However, many patients have to maintain good lid hygiene for an indefinite period.