Blepharitis, the inflammation of the eyelids due to herpes simplex virus infection. The eyelids appear red and swollen with yellow crusts overlying small ulcers. The eye appears red from conjunctivitis, the inflammation of the delicate membrane that covers the eye and the interior surface of the eyelids. In this case the conjunctivitis is also due to herpes virus infection. Isolated herpes eye infections are not generally serious and may persist for only a few days.