Blepharitis is one of the most common eye conditions, characterized by chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins. It can affect the skin around the eyelashes (anterior blepharitis) or the oil-producing Meibomian glands (posterior blepharitis), which play a important role in maintaining a healthy tear film. Common symptoms include redness, irritation, burning, itching, crusting of the eyelids, and a gritty or dry-eye sensation. The condition is often associated with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), dry eye disease, rosacea, dermatologic disorders, or Demodex mite infestation.
Although blepharitis affects millions of people and can significantly impact quality of life, treatment options remain limited. Current management primarily relies on supportive measures such as eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, lid massage, lubricating eye drops, and off-label use of anti-inflammatory or antibiotic therapies. Despite the chronic nature and prevalence of non-infectious blepharitis, there remains a substantial unmet medical need for effective, well-tolerated, and specifically approved blepharitis therapies addressing the underlying causes of the disease and provide meaningful symptom relief for patients.
