What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a chronic condition caused by inadequate tear lubrication. Your tears may be of low quality, or you might be unable to create enough tears to adequately lubricate your eyes.
This is an extremely common condition that increases with age. Dry eye is typically accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation of the eyes. The pain may be heightened in specific situations, such as:
- Reading
- Using a computer screen for several hours
What are symptoms of dry eye?
Besides stinging and burning sensations, other symptoms of dry eye include:
- Eye redness or fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Nighttime driving difficulty
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision
Symptoms may affect one or both eyes.
What is blepharitis and what causes it?
If your eyelids — particularly where the eyelashes grow — are red, swollen or inflamed, you may have blepharitis. This condition is commonly caused by clogged oil glands, which are located at the base of your eyelids. When these glands are clogged, your eyes become irritated and red. Blepharitis is typically both uncomfortable and visually unappealing. It’s not contagious and won’t cause permanent eye damage. However, it’s often a chronic condition.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
Blepharitis symptoms include:
- Red eyes
- Burning sensation
- Greasy eyelids
- Swollen eyelids
- Light sensitivity
With regular cleaning and care of your eyes, the symptoms and signs may diminish. However, if you find the condition of your eyes isn’t improving, book an appointment with Dr. Shah.
How are blepharitis and dry eye treated?
Red
Itchy
Painfully swollen
