Dry eyes and blepharitis
Understanding Dry Eyes and Blepharitis
Dry eye and blepharitis are two of the most common causes of eye discomfort, and they often occur together. They can cause symptoms such as:
Gritty, burning or stinging sensations
Redness or tired eyes
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Eyelids that feel stuck together, especially in the morning
Watery eyes (paradoxically, a sign of dryness or irritation)
While often not dangerous, these conditions can significantly affect your comfort, vision, and quality of life if not managed properly.
What Causes Dry Eye and Blepharitis?
Dry Eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tear film breaks down too quickly. This can be due to:
Age-related changes
Long periods of screen use
Contact lenses
Medications or medical conditions
Environmental factors like air conditioning, wind, or heating
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid edges, often caused by:
Blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction)
Bacterial overgrowth on the eyelids
Skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
Allergies or reactions to cosmetics
These two conditions often feed into each other — blepharitis can disrupt tear quality, and dry eye can worsen inflammation on the eyelid margins.
How I Can Help
As a consultant ophthalmologist with specialist expertise in the front of the eye, I regularly treat patients with dry eye and blepharitis — including complex or long-standing cases that haven’t improved with standard drops or over-the-counter treatments.
During your consultation, I’ll carry out a detailed assessment of your symptoms, tear film, and eyelid health using advanced imaging and examination tools. Based on this, I’ll develop a personalised treatment plan that may include:
Eyelid hygiene and warm compress routines
Specialist lubricating or anti-inflammatory eye drops
Prescription treatments such as ciclosporin or antibiotics
In-office procedures to unblock glands or reduce inflammation
Advice on nutrition, lifestyle, and skin care
By tailoring treatment to the underlying cause, rather than simply masking symptoms, my goal is to improve both your eye comfort and long-term eye health.
Book an appointment.
If you’re struggling with dry, irritated, or watery eyes, I’d be happy to help. Please get in touch to arrange a consultation.