Dry eye and blepharitis are chronic conditions that can cause extreme discomfort and left untreated, can lead to vision problems. Dr. Anand K. Shah, a board certified ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of North Atlanta, LLC, in Alpharetta, Georgia, has more than a decade of experience in helping countless patients overcome the effects of dry eye and blepharitis in Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, and the surrounding areas. Call or schedule a consultation appointment online today.
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:
Besides stinging and burning sensations, other symptoms of dry eye include:
Symptoms may affect one or both eyes.
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.
Blepharitis symptoms include:
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.
Blepharitis and dry eye have commonly shared symptoms. Both can lead to eyes that are:
Red
Itchy
Painfully swollen
The two conditions may occur simultaneously. Dr. Shah can administer eye drops, to be used several times a day, to treat dryness and discomfort. For more severe cases, oral/topical medication and/or an ointment may be prescribed.
