Complications of Blepharitis

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Blepharitis is not a serious condition, and there is seldom any damage to your eyes.

Severe or persistent blepharitis can occasionally lead to scarring of the eyelid, which can cause eyelashes to grow in the wrong direction, towards the eye. This can increase inflammation and occasionally the eyelashes may need to be removed by electrolysis.

Electrolysis works by passing a small electric current into the hair follicle through a very fine needle, which destroys the cells at the base of each individual follicle that produces the hair.

Sometimes a chalazion can grow, which is an enlargement of an oil gland and has similar symptoms to a stye. After a few days the symptoms disappear leaving a round, painless swelling which may be accompanied by discolouration in the area underneath the eyelid. Most disappear within a few months without treatment.

Problems with abnormal oil secretions that are part of the tear film can result in excess tears or dry eye. Because tears are essential to keep the cornea healthy, tear film problems can make people more at risk for corneal infections and artificial tear eye drops may be prescribed.