Recognizing the Early Signs and Symptoms of Blepharitis

At Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts, we frequently see patients affected by blepharitis, a common inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis often presents with symptoms such as redness and swelling along the eyelid margins, itching or burning sensations, and a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes. Many patients notice their eyelids feel sticky, especially in the mornings, due to crusting or flaking at the base of the eyelashes.

Additional symptoms can include light sensitivity, excessive tearing, and episodes of blurry vision that improve with blinking. If left untreated, chronic blepharitis may even cause eyelash loss or abnormal eyelash growth.

At our practice, we understand that these symptoms not only affect comfort and vision but can also impact the appearance of your eyes and eyelids. Our team specializes in both the medical and aesthetic management of eyelid conditions and is dedicated to helping you achieve healthy, beautiful eyes. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, our experts can provide a personalized evaluation and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs, restoring both comfort and confidence in your appearance.

We understand that healthy, comfortable eyes are essential—not only for your vision, but also for your confidence and appearance. Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids, and it can affect both the health and the aesthetics of your eyes.

If you’re concerned about redness, swelling, or discomfort along the edge of your eyelids, you may be experiencing blepharitis. Typical signs include puffy eyelids, red and flaky skin around the lashes, itching, or a burning sensation. Some patients notice crusting at the base of the eyelashes, especially in the morning, or describe a gritty feeling, light sensitivity, or watery/dry eyes. In chronic cases, blepharitis may even cause lashes to fall out or grow abnormally—impacting both comfort and appearance.

Because these symptoms can resemble other eye conditions, a professional evaluation is important. Our experienced team specializes in both medical and aesthetic eyelid concerns. We offer thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plans that address not just your symptoms, but also the health and look of your eyelids.

At Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts, we often see patients concerned about irritation and changes along their eyelid margins. In its early stages, blepharitis—a common eyelid condition—typically presents with subtle, yet noticeable, symptoms. You might observe redness and slight swelling at the edges of your eyelids, sometimes accompanied by mild crusting or dandruff-like flakes at the base of your eyelashes. The eyelid margins can appear greasy or oily, and your eyes may look mildly bloodshot or irritated.

Many of our patients describe a gritty or burning sensation, similar to having something in the eye, although pain is usually minimal at this stage. It’s also common to experience dryness, mild itchiness, or for the eyelashes to stick together—especially upon waking in the morning. These early signs reflect gentle inflammation and irritation of the eyelids, with visible redness, flaking, and slight discomfort.

If you notice any of these symptoms, our team can provide a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan to restore your eyelid health and comfort—helping you look and feel your best.

We frequently see patients concerned about eyelid irritation and discomfort. One common culprit is blepharitis—a condition that affects the eyelids and is primarily known for causing irritation rather than significant pain. Typical symptoms include itching, burning, a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, redness, and eyelid swelling. Most people describe the discomfort as bothersome or annoying rather than truly painful.

While blepharitis itself is rarely very painful, it can sometimes lead to complications such as styes or eyelid infections, which may cause mild pain or tenderness. Left untreated, chronic blepharitis can also impact the health and appearance of your eyes and eyelids.

If you notice persistent symptoms or changes in your eyelid appearance, it’s important to seek evaluation from an experienced eye care specialist. Our team can diagnose and manage blepharitis effectively, helping to relieve your symptoms and protect the health and aesthetics of your eyes. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure your eyes both look and feel their best.

At Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts, we understand that your eyes are not only vital for vision but also play a key role in your overall appearance. If you wake up in the morning and notice your eyelids feel crusty or greasy, you’re not alone—this is a common concern we see in our practice.

Your eyelids contain tiny oil glands, called meibomian glands, which help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Overnight, these natural oils can accumulate, sometimes leaving your eyelids with a greasy sensation in the morning. While this is normal, excessive oiliness or visible build-up may sometimes signal an underlying issue.

Crustiness occurs when tears, mucus, or debris gather and dry out along the lashes while you sleep. In most cases, this is harmless. However, if you’re experiencing persistent crusting, redness, swelling, or irritation, it might be a sign of blepharitis—a common eyelid inflammation that we frequently diagnose and treat. Blepharitis can result from bacteria, skin conditions like dandruff, or chronic dry eye.

Allergies are another reason for morning residue on your eyelids, as allergic reactions can increase tear and mucus production. In some cases, more significant discharge and crusting may indicate an eye infection such as conjunctivitis (“pink eye”), which requires prompt evaluation and treatment.

As specialists in both the medical and aesthetic aspects of eye care, we know that healthy eyelids are essential for both comfort and appearance. Chronic irritation, inflammation, or infection can not only cause discomfort but also affect the way your eyes look—potentially leading to redness, swelling, or changes in the skin around your eyes.

What You Can Do

Practice Good Eyelid Hygiene: Gently cleanse your eyelids and lashes daily with warm water or a recommended eyelid cleanser.

Avoid Eye Irritants: Be mindful of cosmetics and skincare products used near the eyes.

Seek Professional Care: If you experience ongoing symptoms, pain, vision changes, or have concerns about the appearance of your eyelids, our team is here to help.

We offer comprehensive evaluations and advanced treatments for eyelid conditions, ensuring both the health and beauty of your eyes.

Blepharitis often begins with subtle symptoms like swelling, crusting, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. At Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts, Dr. Paul Brannan carefully examines eyelid health to detect early inflammation and prevent chronic irritation. His personalized approach helps patients manage symptoms and maintain clear, comfortable vision. If you have any concerns or want to learn more about maintaining healthy, beautiful eyelids, schedule a consultation with our expert team today. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5310 Clark Rd Suite 106, Sarasota, FL 34233. We serve clients from Sarasota, FL, Osprey FL, Fruitville FL, Vamo FL, Venice FL, Lakewood Ranch FL, Bradenton FL, and surrounding areas.