What Are Dry Eye and Blepharitis?

Dry Eye Disease and Blepharitis are two of the most common—and often interconnected—conditions that affect the front surface of the eye and eyelids. They can cause chronic irritation, fluctuating vision, and discomfort that may interfere with daily activities such as reading, computer work, or contact lens wear.

  • Dry Eye Disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to inflammation and damage to the ocular surface.

  • Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins, often caused by bacterial overgrowth, clogged oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction), or skin conditions such as rosacea.

When the delicate balance of the tear film is disrupted, the eyes may feel gritty, burn, water excessively, or appear red. Over time, untreated dryness or blepharitis can affect visual clarity and the health of the corneal surface.

Common Symptoms

You may be experiencing Dry Eye or Blepharitis if you notice:

  • Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations in the eyes

  • Redness or irritation, especially toward the end of the day

  • Excessive tearing or watery eyes

  • Crusting or flaking along the eyelid margins

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision that improves with blinking

  • Sensitivity to wind, smoke, or screen time

Because symptoms often overlap, a careful eye examination is essential to determine the underlying cause and select the most effective treatment.

Diagnosis and Advanced Evaluation

At Nile Eye Care & Surgery, Dr. Tadrosse performs a comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluation that includes assessing the tear film quality, meibomian gland function, and the health of the corneal surface. Using specialized diagnostic tools, he can pinpoint whether your dryness is primarily evaporative (oil deficiency) or aqueous-deficient (tear production issue)—or a combination of both.

This personalized assessment allows for a targeted treatment plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Treatment Options

Effective treatment requires addressing both the symptoms and the root causes of dry eye and blepharitis. We offer full spectrum of evidence-based therapies, including:

  • Lubricating eye drops and gels to relieve dryness and maintain surface moisture

  • Prescription anti-inflammatory drops or oral medications to reduce ocular surface inflammation

  • Punctal plugs to help conserve natural tears by gently blocking tear drainage channels

  • Eyelid hygiene routines and warm compresses to improve oil gland function and reduce bacterial buildup

  • Thermal pulsation treatments (such as advanced meibomian gland expression and heating devices) to restore healthy oil flow from the eyelids and improve long-term tear film stability

These modern, in-office procedures target meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—the most common underlying cause of chronic dry eye—offering patients a long-lasting solution beyond artificial tears.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice.

Contact us!

Dr. Tadrosse has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all forms of dry eye disease and blepharitis. His approach combines medical therapy, in-office treatment technologies, and preventative care to restore ocular comfort and protect long-term vision. At Nile Eye Care & Surgery, patients benefit from a compassionate, individualized approach—one that focuses on both symptom relief and sustainable improvement in eye health. If you suffer from burning, watery, or irritated eyes, it’s time to take the next step toward lasting comfort!