In the case of more severe flare-ups, a doctor may recommend one of the following treatments to help treat blepharitis:
Steroid eye drops: These may help treat the underlying inflammation that’s causing swelling, redness, and irritation.
Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: A doctor may prescribe these if bacteria overgrowth is thought to be the underlying cause of blepharitis.
Oral antibiotics: While topical antibiotics may be used first, pill versions may be prescribed for more severe infections.
Demodex eradication: Demodex are tiny mites that are a leading cause of chronic blepharitis. Topical eyedrop therapy is now available to quickly end a Demodex infestation.
Thermal pulsation therapy: This in-office procedure uses a heated device to remove debris and crusts from the meibomian glands along your lash line.
Thermal therapy: Applied to your eyelids in-office, this procedure uses heat to break up debris.
Microblepharoexfoliation (BlephEx): This is another type of in-office treatment that targets debris around the eyelid with a light burr device.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy: Research from 2021 suggests that this form of light treatment may help treat moderate to severe blepharitis by cleaning the meibomian glands and improving overall tear production.
Treatment of the underlying cause: If an underlying condition like dandruff, allergies, or rosacea are thought to be causing blepharitis, then treating these conditions may help.