Eyelid Conditions That Cause Dry Eye

Introduction

Dry eye is a common problem that can affect your vision, leaving you feeling itchy, irritated and uncomfortable. However, did you know that your eyelids may also be causing your symptoms? In fact, many people who experience dry eye are misdiagnosed with the condition because their symptoms are actually caused by a structural problem with their eyelids.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition affecting the eyes. It is a chronic condition that can be caused by a variety of factors and can cause pain and discomfort to those who suffer from it. Dry eye syndrome can also cause blurred vision, redness, light sensitivity, burning sensations or excessive tearing (lacrimation).

The symptoms of dry eye syndrome vary from person to person because it is not caused by any one specific issue but rather multiple issues working together. Many people experience dry eye symptoms for years before seeking treatment for their condition because they assume nothing can be done about their symptoms or they simply do not wish to seek medical help for something so seemingly minor as dry eyes.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacterial or fungal infections, allergies, and clogged oil glands.
It can be treated with warm compresses, eyelid scrubs, and oral antibiotics.

MGD, or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) refers to a variety of conditions in which the meibomian glands, which are oil glands in your eyelids, produce reduced amounts of oil.

The resulting deficiency can cause dry eye symptoms like redness and irritation. The good news is that MGD is treatable in most cases, with some simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products for relief.

Entropion

If your eyelids are turning in, it’s called entropion. If you have any questions about this condition or need help finding a doctor, please contact us at 1-800-GET-LENS.

Causes: Entropion can happen to anyone, but it is most common in middle-aged and older adults who have had previous eye surgery. People with certain medical conditions such as Down syndrome or ocular allergies may also be at an increased risk of developing the condition. The exact cause of entropion is unknown; however, it appears that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition for the disorder that causes their eyelashes to rub against their cornea when they blink—this causes irritation and inflammation of the cornea that leads to dry eye symptoms and ultimately results in excessive tearing (lacrimation).

Symptoms: Typical symptoms include redness around your eyes as well as watery eyes that make it difficult for you to read because they blur your vision; these symptoms can occur on both sides if there’s only one eye affected by entropion but usually affect both sides if there’s more than one involved (which makes sense since our other two lids help keep things balanced). You’ll likely experience chronic burning sensations inside your eyes too along with increased sensitivity due to all those extra tears being produced!

Ectropion

Ectropion is a condition in which the eyelid turns outward and exposes the inner lining of the eyelid to the air, making it dry. This can be caused by aging, a congenital defect, or poor drainage of tears.
If you’re experiencing dry eyes and you suspect that they may be related to ectropion, talk to your eye doctor about your symptoms and how they’re affecting your everyday life.

If you have dry eyes, your eyelids may be causing your discomfort.

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that can be caused by eyelid problems.

Other conditions that can cause dry eye include:

Allergies (to pollen, dust mites, etc.) or environmental irritants like smog and cigarette smoke.
Using contact lenses for extended periods of time without proper care.
Decreased tear production from aging or other factors such as hormonal changes like during pregnancy and menopause; taking certain medications, including some oral contraceptives and anti-depressants; and possibly chronic health conditions such as diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and 2). Dry eye affects an estimated 1 million Americans per year, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI), with women being more likely than men to develop it.

Conclusion

Your eyelids are an important part of your overall health, so if you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms and have a dry eye condition, it’s important not only to treat your eyes but also to keep your eyelids healthy.