Information provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The Eye M.D. Association

EYELID MARGIN DISEASE INCLUDING BLEPHARITIS

What causes blepharitis?

Everyone has bacteria on the surface of their skin, but in some people, bacteria thrive in the skin at the base of the eyelashes. Large amounts of bacteria around the eyelashes can cause dandruff-like scales and particles to form along the lashes and eyelid margins.

Blepharitis also is associated with meibomianitis – a dysfunction and inflammation of the nearby oil glands of the eyelids (called meibomian glands).