A New Vision

4655 SW Griffith Drive #165

Beaverton, OR 97005 US

503-646-8592

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Patient Center
    • Online Forms
  • Our Services
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Vision Exams For Children
    • Contact Lens Exam
    • Optomap Retinal Exams
    • Diopsys/VEP Testing
    • Readalyzer(TM)
    • InfantSEE®
  • Vision Therapy
    • Tools & Techniques
    • Vision Therapy FAQ
  • Eye Wear
    • Frame Lines
    • Lenses
    • Contact Lenses
      • Soft Contacts
      • RGP Lenses
    • Choosing the Right Frames
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Community Content
    • Common Eye Conditions
      • Age-Related
      • Cognitive and Acquired
      • Vision Impairment
      • Injury & Irritation
      • Eye Lids
      • Changes in Appearance
    • Contact Lenses
    • Eye Diseases
    • Eyeglasses
      • Eyeglass Lenses
    • Eye Symptoms
    • How the Eyes Work
      • Basic Visual Skills
    • Pediatric Vision
    • Protecting Your Eyes
    • Visual Rehabilitation
    • Vision Problems
    • What is Vision Therapy
    • Vision Therapy Programs
    • We Can Help With
      • Cataracts
      • Corneal Disorders
        • Disorders
      • Glaucoma
      • Refractive Disorders
      • Adult Strabismus
      • Retinal Disorders
    • Newsletters
      • Glasses & Frames
      • Contacts
      • Tips for Healthy Eyes
      • Conditions That Affect Vision
      • Kid's Vision
      • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
      • Medical Perspectives
  • Contact Lens Training Information
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletters >
  • Dry Eyes? Blepharitis Could Be to Blame

Dry Eyes? Blepharitis Could Be to Blame

  • Created in Newsletters

Man with blepharitis

Dry Eyes? Blepharitis Could Be to Blame

Wondering why your eyes are red, dry, and itchy? A condition called blepharitis could be the reason.

What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis occurs when your eyelids become inflamed and irritated. The inflammation can be due to:

  • Bacteria on Your Eyelids
  • Clogged Oil Glands at the Base of Your Eyelashes
  • Overgrowth of Tiny Mites That Live in Eyelash Follicles
  • Allergies
  • Skin Conditions, Like Rosacea, Psoriasis, and Dandruff

According to an article published in the February 12, 2021 issue of Review of Ophthalmology, blepharitis can also change the quality of the oil made by your eyelids. Natural oils keep your tear film healthy and your eyes moist and comfortable. If the oil you produce isn't high quality, you may soon experience dry eye.

How Can I Tell if I Have Blepharitis?

In addition to dryness, signs and symptoms of blepharitis include:

  • Stinging, Burning, Itchy, or Watery Eyes
  • Foreign Body Sensation
  • Eyelid or Eye Swelling
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Crusts on Eyelids First Thing in the Morning
  • Bubbles in Your Tears
  • Dandruff-Like Flakes on Your Eyelashes
  • Eyelashes That Fall Out Easily or Don't Grow Normally

According to the National Eye Institute, untreated blepharitis can increase your risk of developing chronic red eye, damaged corneas, or bumps (styes and chalazions) on your eyelids caused by blocked oil glands.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have Blepharitis?

A visit to your optometrist is the best place to start if you're suffering from dry eye. Your eye doctor can determine if your symptoms are caused by blepharitis or another condition. He or she can also discuss treatment and management options, which may include:

  • Cleaning Your Eyelids. Can you remember the last time you cleaned your eyelids? Most people don't devote any time to their eyelashes when washing their faces. If you have blepharitis, a daily eyelid cleaning can help keep your condition under control. Clean your lids with baby shampoo diluted in water or eyelid cleanser or wipes. Use gentle pressure with a washcloth or wipe to remove debris and bacteria.
  • Using Compresses. Warm compresses soften blocked oil glands and loosen crusts and flakes. Use a moistened washcloth or an eyemask that can be heated in the microwave.
  • Improving Your Skincare Routine. Bacteria or oil on your face, hair, and scalp can cause or worsen your symptoms. Washing these parts of your body regularly may help ease your blepharitis and dry eye symptoms. If you have dandruff, keep flakes under control with a dandruff shampoo.
  • Drugstore or Prescription Drops. Liquid tears or lubricating eye drops will ease dry eye symptoms. A steroid eye drop might be helpful if your eyes are red and swollen.
  • Choosing Makeup Carefully. Some types of makeup can irritate your eyelids and cause blepharitis. Stay away from products that contain parabens, wax, and fragrances. Throw away any makeup used before you were diagnosed with blepharitis, as it may be contaminated with bacteria. Avoid makeup products that irritate your eyelids, even if the product is labeled hypoallergenic.
  • Taking Antibiotics. If an overgrowth of bacteria is responsible for blepharitis, your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. In some cases, oral antibiotics may be recommended.
  • Getting Rid of Mites. If mites are responsible for your condition, your eye doctor may recommend scrubs or gels designed to kill the parasites. In some cases, an oral medication that kills the mites may be the best option. You may need to use the products or medication for several weeks to ensure that all of the mites have been killed.
  • Increasing Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake. Taking fish oil supplements or eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, flaxseed, and soybeans, could have a beneficial effect on dry eye symptoms and blepharitis.
  • Trying Cyclosporine. These prescription eyedrops reduce inflammation and help your eyes produce more tears.
  • Treating Underlying Conditions: Keeping rosacea, dandruff, psoriasis, or allergies under control may help reduce your blepharitis symptoms.

Do you think your dry eyes might be caused by blepharitis? Give us a call and we'll schedule your visit with the eye doctor.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Blepharitis?, 8/8/2022

National Eye Institute: Blepharitis, 8/31/2020

Review of Ophthalmology: Dry Eye: The Blepharitis Connection, 2/12/2021

American Optometric Association: Blepharitis

  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Age-Related
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Impairment
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Eye Lids
    • Changes in Appearance
  • Contact Lenses
  • Eye Diseases
  • Eyeglasses
    • Eyeglass Lenses
  • Eye Symptoms
  • How the Eyes Work
    • Basic Visual Skills
  • Pediatric Vision
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Vision Problems
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you.

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients/ learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Monday:

9:00am

5:00pm

Tuesday:

9:00am

5:00pm

Wednesday:

9:00am

5:00pm

Thursday:

9:00am

5:00pm

Friday:

9:00am

3:00pm

Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

  • "We have noticed a huge improvement with our son during and after completing his vision therapy with A New Vision. He is reading at a much higher level, his grades have improved, his confidence has increased, and homework is not taking so long. His improvements are life changing! Thank you so much!"
    D.H. / Beaverton, OR

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • October Newsletter: The Advantages of Prescription Sunglasses

    Could prescription sunglasses help you see better on bright day? ...

    Read More
  • October Newsletter: What Are Ocular Migraines and How Can They Be Prevented?

    Seeing stars or flashing lights? An ocular migraine could be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • Stress and Vision

    Did you know that your eyes are an extension of your brain? There are six muscles connected to each eye, and they receive signals from the brain. These signals direct the eyes movements and, thus, control their ability to focus. When you are stressed, your brain goes through a number of changes and signals ...

    Read More
  • Pain Management

    We take a lot of aspects of our vision for granted. We expect to see nearby and faraway objects clearly, even if we require our eye care provider to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to do so. A huge degree of the information we take in about our world and our surroundings takes place visually, ...

    Read More
  • Nutrition for Eye Health

    Eating right is essential for keeping your body healthy. This is as true for your eyes as it is for your heart. A diet that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and is low in saturated fat, can reduce your risk of heart disease. This will also keep your arteries healthy, so they can ...

    Read More
  • Lifestyle Practices for Eye Health

    Protecting your eyesight is an important part of staying healthy overall. Maintaining sound eye health will also help you preserve your quality of life as you age. To keep your eyes as healthy as possible, follow these simple lifestyle practices. Get regular eye exams. Some eye problems — including ...

    Read More
  • Glare and Halos

    Glare and halos are both eye symptoms that some people experience around bright lights. Halos show up as bright circles around a light source. Glare is light that interferes with your vision, making it difficult to see or sometimes making your eyes water. These symptoms can show up at any time of the ...

    Read More
  • UV Radiation and Your Eyes

    Optometry warnings about the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation on our eyes have not yet reached the degree of public awareness of that of skin damage. Yet, the sun can be just as damaging upon our eyes with unprotected exposure. Short-term exposure to very bright sunlight can result in a type ...

    Read More
  • Lazy Eye

    Lazy eye, also referred to as amblyopia, is a condition that develops in infancy or early childhood, and it typically starts when the focus in one eye is more enhanced than the other. The eye with less focus might be impaired due to a significant amount of farsightedness or astigmatism, or something ...

    Read More
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology

    Ophthalmology addresses the physiology, anatomy and diseases of the eyes. Pediatric ophthalmology focuses on the eyes of children. Pediatric ophthalmologists examine children’s eyes to see if they need corrective lenses or other treatments to improve their vision. Training for Pediatric Ophthalmologists Pediatric ...

    Read More

Social Media

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map