The TV star spoke out after viewers commented on his changing appearance(Image: GETTY)
Bradley Walsh has been a beloved face on television for decades, during which some viewers have noticed abrupt changes in his appearance. The TV star tackled the theories head-on – revealing it was all due to a health condition he “really struggles” with.
During an appearance on This Morning in 2021, Walsh revealed he has “seriously bad blepharitis”. He added: “I have to take one pill a day for it or I really struggle. I am going to need my eyes operated on at some point to sort it out. So many times, people have commented on how I look. But they don’t realise. If I take medication though, I’m fine.”
Bradley Walsh explained he’d likely need to undergo surgery on his eyes due to the condition(Image: GETTY)
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a condition that affects the eyelids, causing them to be swollen and itchy. Walsh explained that it can change his appearance as it causes inflamed, reddened and irritated eyelids.
While it’s usually not a serious condition, it does require stringent cleaning routines and medication in some cases according to the NHS. It cannot be spread to other people and is typically caused by one of three issues:
- A type of bacteria that lives on the skin
- Skin conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Glands in the eyelids not producing enough oil
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If left untreated, blepharitis can lead to chronic dry eye, blocked oil glands, eyelash loss, conjunctivitis and even corneal damage which can cause serious vision issues. In severe cases, people may wake up with their eyelids ‘sealed shut’ with debris.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
Blepharitis symptoms may come and go. According to the NHS, common symptoms include sore eyelids, itchy eyes, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and flakes or crusts around the roots of the eyelashes.
Another common issue patients face is waking up with their eyelids ‘sealed shut’. This happens as oil, debris or bacteria along the eyelid margins build up over night, cause a crust or sticking the eyelids together.
People with blepharitis are advised to clean their eyelids twice a day to prevent buildup. They should clean their eyes even if their symptoms stop.
The TV star has also revealed he lives with high cholesterol(Image: GETTY)
How is blepharitis treated?
Cleaning routines may involve soaking a flannel in warm water and leaving it on the closed eyelid for a few minutes before massaging the area and then using cotton wool or a cotton bud to wipe the edges of the eyelids and remove any debris.
