Blepharo conjunctivitis: what should you know?

The eyelid margins may feel gritty, swollen, itchy, or sore, with flakes or crusts around the eyelashes. The whites of the eyes can become red and watery, and sticky discharge may make the lids cling together after sleep. Light sensitivity or blurred vision can occur, but marked pain or reduced vision suggests that another eye problem needs prompt review. Causes include irritation, allergy, blocked oil glands, or infection; symptoms alone cannot distinguish them.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eyes. Use a clean warm compress over closed lids, then gently wipe loosened crusts with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye. Do not share towels, cosmetics, or eye drops, and pause contact lenses until the eyes are comfortable and a clinician advises restarting. Avoid rubbing. A GP or eye clinician can decide whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate; antibiotics do not treat every cause.

Seek same-day urgent eye care for severe pain, light sensitivity, reduced or changed vision, marked swelling, an injury, or a chemical splash. Get prompt advice if a contact-lens wearer has a red or painful eye. Arrange a GP consultation when discharge persists, symptoms keep returning, or both eyelids remain inflamed despite gentle hygiene.

Ask whether the problem is mainly the eyelid margin, conjunctiva, or cornea; whether you should stop a cosmetic or eye product; and whether treatment or review is needed. Mention contact-lens use, allergies, recent infections, pain, light sensitivity, and any vision change.