What is "blepharitis"

Blepharitis \Bleph`a*ri"tis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? eyelid + -ilis.] (Med.) Inflammation of the eyelids. -- Bleph`a*rit"ic, a. [Webster 1913 Suppl.] ||

n. (context diseases English) An inflammation of the eyelid

n. inflammation of the eyelids characterized by redness and swelling and dried crusts

Blepharitis is a common eye condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the eyelid, usually where eyelashes grow, resulting in inflamed, irritated, itchy, and reddened eyelids. A number of diseases and conditions can lead to blepharitis. It can be caused by the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes becoming clogged, a bacterial infection, allergies, or other conditions. The severity and course can vary. Onset can be acute, resolving without treatment within 2–4 weeks (this can be greatly reduced with lid hygiene), but more generally is a long-standing chronic inflammation of varying severity.

It may be classified as seborrhoeic, staphylococcal, mixed, posterior or meibomitis, or parasitic. It usually does not cause permanent damage.