May also be called: Anterior Blepharitis; Posterior Blepharitis; Lid Margin Disease; Meibomian Gland Disease Blepharitis (blef-uh-RY-tis) is swelling or inflammation of the eyelids. More to Know Blepharitis is a common disorder that causes red, watery eyes and itchy, burning eyelids. It can also cause crusty scales that stick to the base of the eyelashes. Much of the time, blepharitis only causes irritation, but in some cases it can make eyelashes fall out, or cause styes, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), scarring of the eyelids, and injury to the cornea (the clear part at the front of the eyeball). There are two types of blepharitis: Anterior blepharitis affects the front edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes are attached. It's most commonly caused by bacterial infections or skin conditions such as sebhorrheic dermatitis (dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows) or rosacea (a condition that causes facial redness). Posterior blepharitis affects the inner part of the eyelid that comes in contact with the eyeball. It's usually caused by malfunctioning oil glands in the eyelid (called meibomian glands). Treatment for blepharitis depends on the type of blepharitis and the condition causing it. In many cases, treatment can be as simple as cleaning the eyelids regularly with a warm washcloth. Other times, lubricating eye drops or ointments may be used. If the blepharitis is caused by a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic medications. Keep in Mind Blepharitis can be hard to treat and often occurs again, but generally it does not damage a person's vision. Treating any underlying conditions and keeping the eyelids clean can help minimize symptoms. So can limiting the use of contact lenses and eye makeup during treatment. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Why Do Eyes Water? What does it mean when your eyes water? It's not the same as crying - or is it? Read More Your Eyes Ever wonder how your eyes work? This article for kids takes you from the pupil to the retina and beyond. Read More Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is the most common eye infection affecting kids. Learn more about pinkeye and how to prevent it from spreading. Read More Pinkeye Pinkeye is the most common eye problem kids can have. It causes redness, itching, inflammation, and pus to collect in the eyes. Read More Taking Care of Your Vision Even if you're lucky enough to have perfect vision, taking care of and protecting your eyes is vital to keeping your peepers perfect. Learn all about how to take care of your baby blues (or browns or greens) in this article. Read More Eyes Although your eyes are small, their structure is incredibly complex. Find out how they work in this body basics article. Read More Eyes The eyes are small compared with most of the body's other organs, but their structure is incredibly complex. Learn more about eyes, vision, and common problems with both. Read More Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is an inflammation of the tissue covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelid. Read More Corneal Abrasions Corneal abrasions, which are common among kids, happen when something gets into the eye. Though sometimes painful, they're rarely serious and usually heal within a few days. Read More Styes A stye is a backed-up oil gland in the eyelid. Styes are usually easy to get rid of. Read More Styes A stye is a backed-up oil gland in the eyelid. Styes are usually easy to get rid of, but there are some things you can do to help. Learn more about styes. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.