Dry Eye and Blepharitis Treatment

What are dry eye syndrome and blepharitis?

Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the quantity or quality of tears is insufficient to adequately moisturize the surface of the eye.

The tear film on the surface of the eye is composed of three main components — lipid, aqueous, and mucous — whose balance is essential for protecting the eye and maintaining its health. Disruption of any of the components can lead to tear instability, inflammation, and dryness in the eye.

Blepharitis, or chronic inflammation of the eyelids, often accompanies dry eye syndrome and occurs in approximately 85% of patients. Both of these conditions are quite common and, if left untreated, can lead to damage to the surface of the eye, vision loss, and a reduced quality of life. They are managed with the help of a treatment plan selected by an ophthalmologist and appropriate recommendations.

What symptoms cause dry eye syndrome and blepharitis?

Dry eye syndrome and blepharitis often cause discomfort and vision loss, especially in the morning or when sitting in front of a screen. The following symptoms are expected in these conditions:

A burning, stinging, itching, or stinging sensation;
Pain or a feeling of tightness in the eyes;
Blurred vision or rapid eye fatigue;
A feeling of dryness;
Eye redness;
A feeling of a foreign body in the eye;
Sensitivity to light.

What are the causes of dry eye syndrome and blepharitis?

The development of dry eye syndrome and blepharitis can be related to both internal processes in the body and environmental conditions.

The causes of dry eye syndrome are:

Dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which leads to a deficiency of the lipid (fatty) layer of tears and rapid evaporation of tears. Meibomian gland dysfunction is the most common cause of dry eye syndrome;
Decreased tear gland function, which can be caused by age-related changes or certain chronic diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis);
Hormonal changes, especially during menopause;
Prolonged or incorrect use of contact lenses;
Taking certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, hormonal drugs, etc.);
Adverse environmental conditions – dry air, wind, smoking, air conditioning, and spending a lot of time in front of a screen.

The main causes of blepharitis are:

Blockage of the meibomian glands or irregular secretion of sebum;
Excessive growth of bacteria on the eyelid margin;
Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) – dandruff on the head and eyebrows contributes to the development of inflammation;
Parasites in the eyelash follicles, such as Demodex mites;
Neglect of eye hygiene and improper care of lenses.

How are dry eyes and blepharitis diagnosed?

Dry eyes and blepharitis are diagnosed by an ophthalmologist based on a physical examination and special tests. During the diagnosis, the doctor assesses the amount of tears, their quality, the function of the meibomian glands, and the condition of the eyelashes and eyelids.

After making a diagnosis, the ophthalmologist prescribes appropriate treatment tailored to the patient.

How is dry eye and blepharitis treated?

Treatment for dry eye syndrome and blepharitis depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Treatment usually involves daily eye care, medication, and, if necessary, special therapeutic procedures. Traditional treatment methods include:

Artificial tears and lubricants;

Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene;

Antibiotics;

Anti-inflammatory drugs;

Tear-retaining devices: Special silicone plugs can be placed in the tear drainage canals to prevent the flow of tears.

When traditional treatment methods are ineffective or too inconvenient for the patient, modern therapeutic treatments based on thermal pulses (IPL) are prescribed. IPL therapy has been successfully used to treat dry eye and blepharitis caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.

At New Hospitals, patients have the opportunity to undergo treatment with a modern, innovative device that simultaneously uses both thermal impulses and a heat mask. This method photostimulates the meibomian glands and promotes their normal functioning, reduces inflammation,

restores blood microcirculation and natural moisture of the eye, and destroys bacteria.

The procedure is non-invasive, painless and safe, lasts 10-15 minutes and does not require rehabilitation. It is usually prescribed once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the individual needs of the patient.

Why is timely diagnosis and treatment of dry eye and blepharitis important?

Timely diagnosis and treatment of dry eye and blepharitis are essential to prevent serious complications, such as:

Damage to the surface of the eye – lack of tears or inflammation can lead to corneal irritation, abrasions, ulcers, and ultimately vision loss.

Difficulty wearing contact lenses – Dry eye can cause irritation and make it impossible to wear them.

Increased risk of conjunctivitis or other infections – The eye’s natural defense mechanisms are disrupted by inflammation, which increases the likelihood of bacterial or viral infections.

Reduced quality of life – Constant discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light limit people’s daily activities and reduce their psycho-emotional well-being.

What are the recommendations for patients suffering from dry eye and blepharitis?

For more effective treatment of dry eye syndrome and blepharitis, a comprehensive approach is important, which includes both medical and lifestyle changes. Patients are given the following recommendations:

Using artificial tears as prescribed by a doctor;
Maintaining eye hygiene - regular cleaning of the eyelids and the use of warm compresses help improve the function of the meibomian glands;
Controlling air humidity - dry air increases eye dryness, so it is advisable to use an air humidifier.
Improving nutrition - Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, flaxseed oil) help improve tear quality.
Taking regular breaks when working at a computer to prevent eye fatigue.
Using glasses - protecting your eyes in sunny and windy weather helps reduce dryness.