What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis causes eyelids to become red, swollen and inflamed. It doesn’t normally cause serious damage to the eyes, but it can be very uncomfortable. It tends to be a long-term condition, which means you’re likely to need ongoing treatment. Severe cases do have a risk of causing long-term damage, but fortunately these are quite rare. When the front (anterior) part of the eyelids becomes sore, this can be caused by an infection, allergy or a general sensitivity to bacteria present on the eyelids. It can also be associated with some scalp conditions, such as very dry or oily skin and dandruff.

What is Demodex?

Demodex mites are microscopic parasites that naturally inhabit human skin. They are now recognised as a significant contributor to many cases of blepharitis. Demodex can overpopulate the eyelash follicles and meibomian glands, triggering inflammation, debris buildup, and characteristic “cylindrical dandruff” at the lash base. Studies show that Demodex infestation is far more common in people with blepharitis, with prevalence ranging from 29% to 90% in symptomatic patients.

The link between the two conditions is  cyclical: Demodex overgrowth irritates the eyelids and disrupts gland function, which worsens blepharitis; in turn, chronic blepharitis creates an environment where mites thrive. This interdependence is why targeted treatment of Demodex is often essential for resolving persistent or treatment‑resistant blepharitis.

Risk factors

Blepharitis is more common in people over the age of 50, but anyone can develop it. This is often because the glands that make the normal tears, particularly the oily part of the tears, tend to become less effective as you get older.

What are the symptoms of Blepharitis?

Blepharitis can cause crusting and white scales may stick to the roots of eyelashes. Your eyelid edges may become red and your eyes will feel gritty, burning, sore or itchy.

Treatment for Blepharitis

At Haig-Brown Optometry we now offer intense pule light (IPL) and low-level light therapy (LLLT) treatment. In clinical studies this treatment has shown a positive improvement to the symptoms of blepharitis. IPL uses thermal light pulses, to stimulate the Meibomian glands to resume normal activity. It is applied to the periorbital and cheekbone areas, it stimulates contraction of the glands, increasing the lipid stream and reducing the evaporation of tears.

LLLT emits light at a specific wavelength which triggers heating of the eyelids. This treatment eases the spill of the tear film’s oily component from the Meibomian glands, stabilizing the lipid layer and providing immediate relief.

Session frequency and duration

• Typically, 4 sessions spaced over 4 weeks
• Additional maintenance sessions are likely to be needed on a 6 monthly basis to maintain the treatment this will be based on individual clinical response
• Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes

Procedure steps

1. IPL session

• The area around your eyes will be assessed and cleaned, grading measurements will be taken for baseline data and to tailor the IPL treatment to your skin.
• Eye shields are applied to protect your eyes.
• IPL pulses are administered to the lower eyelids and cheeks.

2. LLLT session with blue and red-light masks

• You will remain sitting or reclined on the couch comfortably while the LED light mask panel is positioned over the face. It is held in place with a band and it can be secured with a clip to your clothing if required.
• The session begins with the blue light.
• The light is gentle, non-invasive, and completely painless.
• This treatment lasts approximately 15 minutes.
• You are able to listen to head phones and your optometrist will remain in the room with you should you need anything.
• Once this treatment is complete the red mask treatment will be started and this is again approximately 15 minutes in duration.

No contact with the eye itself is involved.

What to expect during treatment

• You may feel a warm snapping sensation during IPL (similar to a rubber band flick).
• LLLT feels gentle and warm, with most patients finding it very relaxing.
• You can resume normal activities immediately after the session.

Possible side effects

The treatment is generally safe, but as with any procedure, there are some potential side effects:

Uncommon:

• Mild redness or warmth of the skin around the eyes (temporary)
• Light sensitivity (usually resolves within a few hours)

Rare:

• Skin pigmentation changes or superficial skin burns (very uncommon with correct protocols)

These symptoms typically resolve within 24–48 hours. All precautions are taken to minimise risk, including the use of eye protection and skin-cooling gels if required.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

This treatment is ideal for:

• Patients with MGD, Blepharitis and evaporative dry eye
• Those unresponsive to traditional therapies (e.g., warm compresses, artificial tears)
• Patients looking for non-pharmacological, non-invasive options

Contraindications include:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Photosensitive skin conditions
• Use of photosensitising medications medication* – some antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline, ciprofloxacin), some antifungals (e.g. Griseofulvin, Itraconazole), and some NSAIDs (e.g. Naproxen)
• History of seizures triggered by light

A full clinical assessment will be conducted to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

*If you are unsure, please consult your Optometrist or the medical practitioner who prescribed the drugs

PLEASE NOTE: The treatment room is on the first floor, which will involve a flight of stairs. If you have mobility issues, please speak to a member of staff prior to booking.

Questions

If you have any questions about your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.