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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staff
If you have blepharitis, you may experience loss of eyelashes, abnormal eyelash growth (misdirected eyelashes) or scarring of the eyelids. Other possible complications associated with blepharitis include:
- Sty. A sty is a bacterial infection that develops near the root of an eyelash. The result is a painful lump on the edge or inside of your eyelid. A sty is usually most visible on the surface of the eyelid.
- Chalazion. A chalazion occurs when there's a blockage in one of the small oil glands at the margin of the eyelid. The gland can become infected with bacteria, which causes a red, swollen eyelid. Unlike a sty, a chalazion is most prominent on the inside of the eyelid.
- Excess tearing or dry eyes. Abnormal oily secretions and other debris shed from the eyelid, such as flaking associated with dandruff, can accumulate in your tear film — the water, oil and mucus solution that form tears. Abnormal tear film interferes with the healthy lubrication of your eyelids. There may be enough irritation to stimulate excessive tearing. Inflammation associated with blepharitis can interfere with the function of some of the non-oil-producing glands in the eyelid and lead to dry eyes.
- Chronic pink eye. Blepharitis can lead to recurrent bouts of pink eye (conjunctivitis).
- Injury to the cornea. Constant irritation from inflamed eyelids or misdirected eyelashes may cause a sore (ulcer) to develop on your cornea. Insufficient tearing could predispose you to a corneal infection.
