What’s the Difference Between Blepharitis and Dry Eye?

If eye drops don’t seem to be helping and your eyes still feel irritated or tired, there may be more going on beneath the surface. Blepharitis and dry eye are two common conditions with overlapping symptoms, but they aren’t the same. Knowing how they differ can make a big difference in how effectively your eyes are treated.

What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids, particularly along the lash line. It’s commonly caused by a buildup of bacteria, excess oil, or clogged oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

Common symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Red, swollen, or itchy eyelids
• Flaking or crusting around the lashes
• Burning or stinging eyes
• Frequent eye irritation or watering
• Sensitivity to light

Blepharitis doesn’t usually go away on its own. Without proper treatment, it can worsen over time and contribute to other eye surface problems - including dry eye.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, or when tears evaporate too quickly. In many cases, the root problem is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) - when the oil glands in the eyelids fail to release healthy oils into the tear film.

Common dry eye symptoms include:

• Dryness, grittiness, or a foreign-body sensation
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Eye fatigue, especially with screen use
• Burning or stinging
• Excessive tearing

Dry eye is a medical condition that requires more than artificial tears to manage effectively.

How Blepharitis and Dry Eye Are Connected

Blepharitis and dry eye often overlap because inflamed eyelids can block oil glands, leading to tear film instability. When the tear film breaks down, dryness, irritation, and inflammation increase - creating a cycle that worsens both conditions. This is why treating the underlying eyelid and gland health is so important.

Why Proper Diagnosis Matters

Because blepharitis and dry eye share many of the same symptoms, patients often spend years self-treating without finding lasting relief. A comprehensive dry eye evaluation allows us to identify whether eyelid inflammation is present, assess how well your oil glands are functioning, and determine which treatments will be most effective for your specific condition. With the right diagnosis, we can create a customized treatment plan that targets the true cause of your discomfort rather than just masking symptoms.

Advanced Treatment Options at Paradise Canyon Eye Care

At Paradise Canyon Eye Care, we offer advanced, in-office therapies designed to target the root causes of blepharitis and dry eye.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL uses gentle pulses of light to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and improve the function of the meibomian glands. It’s especially effective for patients with rosacea-related blepharitis or chronic dry eye caused by MGD.
• Radiofrequency (RF): RF therapy delivers controlled heat to the eyelids, helping to liquefy hardened oils within blocked glands. This improves oil flow, stabilizes the tear film, and enhances long-term comfort.
• Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): LLLT uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation and stimulate cellular healing. It can improve gland function, support tissue repair, and enhance results when combined with IPL and RF treatments.

These therapies are non-invasive, comfortable, and designed to provide lasting relief when traditional treatments fall short.

Experience Expert Care for Dry Eye and Eyelid Health

Blepharitis and dry eye are closely connected, but they require more than one-size-fits-all treatment. Addressing eyelid inflammation, oil gland dysfunction, and tear film instability together is essential for long-term comfort. With advanced diagnostic tools and therapies such as IPL, RF, and LLLT, effective relief is possible.

If you’re tired of red, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes, Paradise Canyon Eye Care is here to help. Schedule a dry eye evaluation and discover how advanced treatments can bring clarity, comfort, and relief. Visit our office in St. George, Utah, or call (435) 291-5093 to book an appointment today. 

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