Dry Eye vs. Blepharitis: What’s the Difference and How to Treat Both

If you’ve ever dealt with red, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes, you know how frustrating it can be to figure out what’s causing the problem. Two common culprits—dry eye and blepharitis—often share similar symptoms, making it easy to confuse one for the other. While they can occur separately, they often go hand in hand, which is why getting the right diagnosis is key to finding real relief.

At Vision One Eyecare, we believe in solutions that address the root cause rather than just masking symptoms. Let’s break down the differences between dry eye and blepharitis and explore an advanced treatment option that can help with both.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears isn’t sufficient to keep your eyes properly lubricated. This can lead to symptoms such as:

•          Stinging, burning, or a gritty sensation

•          Redness and irritation

•          Blurry vision that improves with blinking

•          Excessive tearing

The most common cause of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the tiny oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked, leading to poor tear quality. Environmental factors, aging, screen time, and even certain medications can also contribute to the condition.

What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids, typically caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, clogged oil glands, or skin conditions like rosacea. The symptoms can overlap with dry eye, including:

•          Itchy or burning eyelids

•          Flaky or crusty debris at the base of the lashes

•          Red, swollen eyelids

•          A foreign body sensation in the eye

Blepharitis often coexists with MGD, which is why many people experience both conditions at the same time. If left untreated, it can worsen dry eye symptoms and lead to long-term discomfort.

Treating Dry Eye and Blepharitis

Traditional treatments for dry eye and blepharitis, such as artificial tears, warm compresses, and eyelid scrubs, can offer temporary relief, but they don’t always address the underlying cause. That’s where OptiLight by Lumenis comes in.

OptiLight is a non-invasive, light-based treatment specifically designed to target the root causes of both dry eye and blepharitis. This innovative IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy works by:

•          Reducing inflammation in the eyelids

•          Unclogging and restoring function to the meibomian glands

•          Decreasing bacterial overgrowth and Demodex mites

•          Improving tear quality for long-lasting relief

The procedure is quick, comfortable, and performed in-office. Most patients in Katy experience noticeable improvements after just a few sessions, with continued benefits over time.

Finding Long-Term Relief at Vision One Eyecare

If you’ve been struggling with dry eye or blepharitis and haven’t found lasting relief, it may be time to explore a more advanced solution. Dr. Wong takes a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating eye conditions, ensuring that you get the care best suited to your needs.

If you’re tired of dealing with dry, irritated eyes, schedule a consultation with Vision One Eyecare to see if OptiLight by Lumenis is the right solution for you. Visit our office in Katy, Texas or call (281) 395-2010 to book an appointment today.