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Causes of Blepharitis
Blepharitis occurs in two forms:
- Anterior blepharitis (affects the front of the eyelid)
- Posterior blepharitis (affects the inner eyelid).
Each of these forms can have different causes.
Anterior blepharitis affects the front portion of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. Anterior blepharitis is most commonly caused by the following:
- Bacteria (Staphylococcus)
- Scalp dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).
Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid (the moist part that makes contact with the eye) and is caused by problems with the oil (meibomian) glands in this part of the eyelid. Two skin disorders that often cause posterior blepharitis include:
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD