the sclera. Swollen eyelids – due to inflammation. Crusting at the eyelid margins/base of the eyelashes/medial canthus, generally worse on waking – due to excessive bacterial buildup along the lid margins. Eyelid sticking – due to crusting along the eyelid margin. Eyelid itching – due to the irritation from inflammation and epidermis scaling of the eyelid. Flaking of skin on eyelids – due to tear film suppressed by clogged meibomian glands. Gritty/burning sensation in the eye, or foreign-body sensation – due to crusting from bacteria and clogged oil glands Frequent blinking – due to impaired tear film from clogged oil glands unable to keep tears from evaporating. Light sensitivity/photophobia Misdirected eyelashes that grow abnormally – due to permanent damage to the eyelid margin Eyelash loss – due to excessive buildup of bacteria along the base of the eyelashes. Infection of the eyelash follicle/sebaceous gland (hordeolum) Debris in the tear film, seen under magnification (improved contrast with use of fluorescein drops) Chronic blepharitis may result in damage of varying severity and, in the worst cases, may have a negative effect on vision. This can be resolved with a proper eyeglass prescription. Long-term untreated blepharitis can lead to eyelid scarring, excess tearing, difficulty wearing contact lenses, development of a stye (an infection near the base of the eyelashes, resulting in a painful lump on the edge of the eyelid) or a chalazion (a blockage/bacteria infection in a small oil glands at the margin of the eyelid, just behind the eyelashes, leading to a red, swollen eyelid), chronic pink eye (conjunctivitis), keratitis, and corneal ulcer or irritation. The lids may become red and may have ulcerate, non-healing areas that may lead to bleeding. Blepharitis can also cause blurred vision due to a poor tear film. Tears may be frothy or bubbly, which can contribute to mild scarring along the eyelids. Symptoms and signs of blepharitis are often erroneously ascribed by the patient as "recurrent conjunctivitis". Subtype symptoms General symptoms include a foreign body sensation, matting of the lashes, and burning. Collarette around eyelashes, a ring-like formation around the lash shaft, can be observed. Other symptoms include loss of eyelashes or broken eyelashes. The condition can sometimes lead to a chalazion or a stye. Chronic bacterial blepharitis may also lead to ectropion. Posterior blepharitis or rosacea-associated blepharitis is manifested by a broad spectrum of symptoms involving the lids including inflammation and plugging of the