Those crystals edging your eyelids may not be leftover holiday party glitter. You might have blepharitis. Often mistaken for makeup residue or morning “eye dew,” this crusty condition, if neglected, can lead to loss of eyelashes, patchy makeup-repelling lids, styes and, in extreme cases, corneal damage.

Blepharitis is an inflammation that typically begins at the base of the eyelashes and then spreads onto the skin of the eyelids, explains Dr. Paul Harris, a Baltimore-area optometrist. “As the inflammation grows, the lids get red, and dead skin can fall and clog up the glands that are on the edges of your lids.” A stye (swelling of a gland near the eye) can result, or parts of the eye can become inflamed.