Causes and Risk Factors
Dry eye and blepharitis can be caused by a range of factors affecting the tear film, eyelids or ocular surface. These may include:
Dry Eye
Dry Eye & Blepharitis
Why Your Eyes Feel Irritated, Gritty, or Uncomfortable
Dry eye and blepharitis are common ocular surface conditions that can cause irritation, discomfort, watering, redness and fluctuating vision. At IOES, our specialist team can assess the cause of your symptoms and guide you towards the most appropriate care.
Overview
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tear film does not work as effectively as it should. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids and can often contribute to dry eye symptoms. These conditions can be ongoing and uncomfortable, but with the right assessment and management, symptoms can often be improved.
- Common and often manageable with the right assessment and care plan
- Can affect comfort, reading, screen use and day-to-day vision quality
- May be linked to tear film changes, eyelid inflammation or reduced blinking
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may come and go throughout the day. Common symptoms include:
- Dryness, grittiness, burning or stinging
- Redness, irritation or watery eyes
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light or tired, uncomfortable eyes
- Crusting, irritation or inflammation around the eyelids
When to Seek Help
You should seek advice if symptoms are persistent, worsening or affecting your daily comfort, vision or quality of life. Specialist assessment can help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide the most appropriate next step.
How It Is Diagnosed
At IOES, diagnosis involves a detailed and comfortable examination of the ocular surface.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
Once the cause and severity of your symptoms are understood, your clinician can recommend the most appropriate next step. This may include home care advice, eyelid hygiene, tear support, prescription treatment or advanced dry eye therapies where clinically appropriate.
Treatment Overview
Treatment for dry eye and blepharitis depends on the cause, severity and impact of symptoms. At IOES, care may include eyelid hygiene advice, tear support, ocular surface management and more advanced treatment options where needed.
Patients may be guided towards:
- Dry Eye Treatment for general management of symptoms, tear film support and ocular surface care
- IPL Dry Eye Treatment where meibomian gland dysfunction or inflammation is contributing to symptoms
- LLLT Dry Eye Treatment where light-based therapy may support tear film stability and comfort
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dry eye and blepharitis?
Dry eye affects the tear film and ocular surface, while blepharitis affects the eyelids and lashes. The two conditions are often connected, as eyelid inflammation can affect the quality of the tear film and contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
Dry eyes can sometimes water because irritation on the ocular surface triggers reflex tearing. These tears may not have the right balance to lubricate the eyes properly, so the eyes can still feel dry, gritty or uncomfortable.
Can dry eye be treated?
Dry eye can often be managed effectively once the cause has been identified. Treatment may include home care advice, tear support, eyelid hygiene, prescription treatment or advanced therapies where suitable.
When should I see a specialist?
You should arrange an assessment if symptoms are persistent, worsening, affecting your vision or interfering with daily life. Specialist review is also important if you have pain, ongoing redness, light sensitivity or noticeable changes in vision.
What treatments are available at IOES?
Treatment options may include dry eye management, eyelid hygiene advice, tear support, prescription treatment and advanced options such as IPL Dry Eye Treatment or LLLT Dry Eye Treatment where clinically appropriate.
Request an Appointment
If dry eye or eyelid symptoms are affecting your comfort, vision or daily life, IOES can help assess the cause and guide you towards the right care.
Request an Appointment
Looking for relief?
Learn more about treatment options for dry eye and blepharitis, including general dry eye care, IPL and LLLT therapies.
Learn More About Dry Eye Treatment
