Dry Eye and Blepharitis

Overview

Dry Eye can have a major impact on your quality of life. You may find your eyes get tired faster or you have difficulty reading. Not to mention the discomfort of a burning sensation or blurry vision. Let’s take a look at dry eye treatments – from simple self-care to innovative prescriptions and therapies – to help you see clearly and comfortably.

What Is Dry Eye?

Understanding dry eye will help you determine the best treatment option. Dry eye occurs when a person doesn't have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears reduce eye infections, wash away foreign matter, and keep the eye’s surface smooth and clear. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are poor quality. It’s a common and often chronic problem, especially in older adults.

Causes of Dry Eye?

• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can lead to poor oil secretion from the meibomian oil glands, contributing to rapid tear evaporation.
• Age: Dry Eye symptoms are common in people of all ages, more prevalent in patients greater than 40 years old.
• Gender: Women are more susceptible to Dry Eye due to hormonal changes, especially during menopause.
• Omega-3 Deficiency: An insufficient intake of omega-3 "fish oil" containing healthy essential fatty acids can contribute to Dry Eye.
• Medications: Certain medications like diuretics, antihistamines, and antidepressants can reduce tear production. Topical eye drops used for glaucoma management can also cause or worsen ocular surface issues and Dry Eye due to preservative chemicals.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as Sjogren's Syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, and autoimmune disorders can contribute to Dry Eye.
• Environmental Conditions: Smoke, wind, and dry climates can increase tear evaporation, exacerbating Dry Eye.

Symptoms of Dry Eye:

• Stinging or burning sensations in the eyes.
• A gritty or sandy feeling.
• Episodes of excessive tearing (thin, watery tears).
• Eye pain and redness.
• Itching.
• Blurred vision, especially between blinks.
• Heavy eyelids.
• Discomfort while wearing contact lenses.
• Reduced tolerance for reading or computer use.
• Eye fatigue.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek an evaluation at Northwest Eye Center with Dr. Vilderman or Dr. Dilman.

Types of Dry Eye:

• Evaporative Dry Eye: This is the most common type of Dry Eye. It occurs when there's a deficiency in the oil layer of tears, leading to rapid tear evaporation and discomfort. It's often associated with inflammation of the eyelids, a condition known as Blepharitis.
• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: In this type, the eye fails to produce an adequate quantity of aqueous tears due to reduced gland function or damage, often as a side effect of specific medications

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common eye condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis occurs when oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, causing irritation and redness.
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Symptoms of Blepharitis

• Red, swollen eyelids.
• Itchy or burning sensation.
• Crusty or sticky eyelids, especially upon waking.
• Flaky or scaly skin around the eyes.
• Increased sensitivity to light.
• A foreign body sensation, as if something is in the eye.

Treatment options for Dry Eye and Blepharitis

There are several prescriptions that treat dry eye differently. Your eye doctor can advise the best option for your situation.

• Basic treatments: warm compresses, lid and lash cleaners, artificial tears, and omega-3 supplements.
• Anti-inflammatory drops – These are eye drops to control inflammation on the surface of your eyes (cornea) using Restasis, Xiidra or topical steroids.
• Punctal Plugs – Tear ducts can be plugged with tiny silicone plugs to reduce tear loss. By partially or completely closing your tear ducts, it can keep your tears from leaving your eye too quickly.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy – IPL utilizes pulses of light to liquefy and release hardened oils that have clogged glands in the eyelids.