Dry Eyes & Blepharitis
Patients are often surprised at a diagnosis of “dry eye”. Disbelief is often due to the fact that the most common symptom of dry eye is excessive watering and tears. However, the eye makes different types of tears, and in dry eyes, one of these is not functioning properly.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. The condition is sometimes called granulated eyelids. At some point in their lives, almost everyone gets blepharitis. For some people, it occurs repeatedly. Fortunately, it is a relatively simple condition to treat.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SYMPTOMS
At FaceRestoration, we understand the range of symptoms caused by dry eye and blepharitis and aim to treat you as soon as possible. We offer a wide range of treatments, from prescription eye care to eyelid surgeries, to alleviate your symptoms and increase prognosis.
Symptoms of dry eye:
- Wet or watery eyes
- The feeling that there’s grit in your eyes
- Itching and burning sensation
- Blurred vision – especially when concentrating, reading, or watching TV
- Red, irritated eyes
- Mucus discharge
Symptoms of blepharitis:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sore eyes, eye discomfort
- Mucus discharge that causes the eyelashes to stick together
- Redness of the eyelid edges
- Frequent styes and chalazions
- Scaly skin flakes along the eyelid margins
- Gritty sensation leading to irritated eyes and light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
Our award-winning ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeons will safely take care of everything from consultation and diagnosis to treatment and post-op care.
What causes Dry Eye?
What causes Dry Eye?
There are many causes of dry eye. As such, it’s important to seek advice alongside comprehensive investigations with an ophthalmic specialist to get you the correct combination of treatments. We’ve outlined the most common causes of dry eye below:
Age
Our eyelid glands produce less oil as we age. These glands and oil prevent tears from evaporating off the eye. Tears evaporate too quickly due to decreased oil production, leaving the eye too dry.
Health-related problems
Dry eyes can be a symptom of other underlying conditions – some of which are unknown to our patients and can lead to early treatment. Common conditions associated with dry eyes are diabetes, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and Parkinson’s.
Hormonal changes (menopause)
During perimenopause and menopause, the body’s levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and androgen. A decrease in androgen levels affects the meibomian and lacrimal glands in the eyelids. Consequently, increased evaporation of tears and drier eyes are caused by reduced oil production in the meibomian glands.
Prescription medications
Many prescription medications – however necessary – cause symptoms of dry eye.
These include:
- some high blood pressure medications
- antihistamines
- diuretics (water tablets)
- antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication
- sleeping pills
- pain medications
What are the two types of tears that contribute to dry eye?
Reflex Tears
There is little lubricating value in these tears. When the eye is suddenly irritated or injured, reflex tears flood the eye as a form of emergency response. Reflex tears can appear when you accidentally scratch your eye, when you get something in your eye, when you’re cutting onions, or when you’re around smoke. As reflex tears flow, the tear drainage system can’t handle the volume, and they spill out onto your cheeks. Another cause of reflex tearing is irritation of the eye due to a lack of lubricating tears. Dry eyes occur when your eye does not produce enough lubricating tears despite the feeling that you have watery eyes.
Lubricating Tears
The second type of tears, called lubricating tears, is produced steadily and slowly throughout the day. It consists of a precise combination of mucus, water, oil, nutrient proteins, and antibodies that nourish and protect the eye’s front surface. A lack of lubricating tears can cause an increase in reflex tears.
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid and it can be intrinsically linked to dry eyes. Inflammation in the eyelids can cause disruption to the glands that produce natural oils that lubricate the surface of the eye. The most common form of blepharitis associated with dry eye is seborrheic blepharitis:
Seborrheic blepharitis
There are various types of this condition, but this is the most common and least severe. Seborrheic blepharitis occurs when the oil glands are not functioning properly, resulting in greasy, waxy scales accumulating along the eyelid margins. Seborrhea may be a part of an underlying skin condition. A number of factors play a role in seborrhea, such as hormones, nutrition, and general health.
At FaceRestoration, we work as part of a multidisciplinary network that can help with other conditions that may be aggravating your dry eye symptoms.
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How we can help
Contact us for a consultation
Booking with us
Arrange a consultation with us using the button below at a time of your choosing. This may be held through video chat dependant on COVID guidelines at the time.
Your consultation
We will then discuss with you your symptoms and advise you on how best to proceed with helpful guidance on treatments through our expert knowledge and training.
Treatment after care
Once an appointment has been arranged, we will then begin treatment and support you along the process, including specialised aftercare.