Symptoms include:

• Watering of eyes
• Red eyes
• A gritty, burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Eyelids that appears greasy
• Itchy eyelids
• Flaking of the skin around the eyes
• Crusted eyelashes upon awakening
• Red, swollen eyelids
• More frequent blinking
• Sensitivity to light
• Scarring of eyelid margin
• Abnormal direction of growth of eyelashes
• Loss of eyelashes
• Infection or erosions of cornea (anterior most layer of the eyeball)

Common symptoms and their severity as reported by people on Patientslikeme.

The exact cause is not known. It is believed to be associated with -

• Clogging of oil glands in the eyelids which causes inflammation
• Dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
• Bacterial infection
• Mites in eyebrows and eyelashes.
• Rosacea - redness of face
• Allergic reactions to certain eye medications, contact lens solutions or eye makeup

It can be prevented by maintaining eyelid hygiene. Measures to prevent are:

• Avoid touching eyes with dirty hands
• Avoid rubbing eyes - Clean eyes regularly.