Blepharitis and dry eye syndrome both result in eye discomfort. They share similar symptoms but are different conditions.

Blepharitis is eyelid inflammation often accompanied by crusts at the base of the eyelids, while dry eye is when the eyes don’t make enough or the right types of tears.

Dry eye is one possible symptom of blepharitis.

But although it’s possible for blepharitis to cause dry eye, there’s not a lot of evidence that dry eye can cause blepharitis. It’s possible to have both conditions at the same time.

Dry eye is sometimes caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, a malfunction in the gland that creates oil to prevent tears from drying too quickly.

Research shows that when meibomian gland problems are due to inflammation, it’s because of blepharitis (inflammation of your eyelid) or meibomitis, which is inflammation of the glands themselves.

Although dry eye can be the result of some kinds of blepharitis, there’s little evidence that dry eye causes blepharitis. There are two types of this condition, neither of which stems from dry eye:

  • Anterior blepharitis: Anterior blepharitis is the result of too much bacteria or dandruff from your scalp and eyebrows. It may also be because of allergies or a mite infestation.
  • Posterior blepharitis: Posterior blepharitis is the result of irregular oil production from your meibomian glands, which makes a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. Rosacea can also cause this kind of blepharitis.

But it’s possible to experience both blepharitis and dry eye at the same time.

No, blepharitis and dry eye are not the same.

However, you can have dry eye as a symptom of blepharitis.

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. This can happen from an overgrowth of bacteria feeding on cellular debris and trapped eyelid secretions, as well as skin conditions such as dandruff.

Inadequate eyelid hygiene is responsible for most cases of blepharitis. However, it’s important to note that it can also happen because of clogged oil glands or systemic autoimmune disease.

Many factors may lead to dry eye syndrome, including inadequate tear production, excessive evaporation, or side effects from medications.

Being older than 65 years, being exposed to smoke or wind, and wearing contact lenses are all risk factors for dry eye. Some medical conditions, including diabetes and thyroid disease, also raise your risk for dry eye.

Blepharitis and dry eye share some common symptoms.

But there are some differences that can help ophthalmologists or other eye care professionals make the right diagnosis.

SymptomBlepharitisDry eye
Burning stinging, itchy, watery eyesXX
red, swollen eyelidsXX
irritation or gritty feelingX
light sensitivityXX
crusty eyelashes or lidsX
sensation something’s
in your eye		XX
foamy tears, small bubblesX
dry eyesXX
blurry visionXX
lost eyelashesX
wrong direction eyelash growthX
cornea swellingX
mucus in or near eyeXX

Prevention strategies can help reduce symptoms of both conditions.

Both blepharitis and dry eye can benefit from at-home treatment. There are also prescription treatments you can get from an eye doctor or eye healthcare professional.

Blepharitis

Treatment for blepharitis typically involves keeping your eyelids clean. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection causes the blepharitis.

Steps to clean your eyelids:

  1. Apply a warm compress to your eyelids to soften or loosen crusts.
  2. Remove the compress.
  3. Mix baby shampoo or a lid-cleansing solution with water. There are also commercial compresses and lid scrubs that may work.
  4. Apply the shampoo or cleansing mixture to one eyelid using a cotton-tipped applicator or a clean cloth while gently rubbing your eyelid margin.
  5. Rinse your eyelid with water.
  6. Repeat these steps with your other eyelid using a fresh cotton-tipped applicator or clean cloth.

Dry eye

The goal of dry eye treatment is to restore tears. Your eye healthcare team may also suggest other options, including prescription or over-the-counter treatments.

Treatment options may include:

  • Artificial tears are available as OTC eye drops. This can be an important way to treat dry eye.
  • Prescription drops can help your eyes make more tears. An omega-3 fatty acid supplement may also increase your tear production over time.
  • An ophthalmologist can block your tear ducts with small plugs or permanently close them with surgery, keeping tears in your eyes longer.
  • Home remedies and prescribed treatments can help reduce eye inflammation. Warm compresses, eyelid massages, ointments, or drops may also help.

Blepharitis

You may try these prevention strategies:

  • Massage your eyelids to clean accumulated oil.
  • Do not rub your eyelids if they itch or you have excessive tears.
  • Use ointments or artificial tears to increase your eye lubrication.
  • Use anti-dandruff shampoo on your scalp.
  • Avoid using too much soap when you’re washing your face, to prevent eye irritation.
  • Don’t wear makeup or contact lenses while treating your eyes for blepharitis.

Dry eyes

These may help prevent dry eye symptoms from returning, although many people experience dry eyes as a chronic condition.

  • Blink regularly while using screens, such as smartphones or laptops, or reading.
  • Avoid dry environments such as deserts or high altitudes.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses to reduce wind exposure.
  • Increase the humidity in your home by using a humidifier.
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

When to contact a doctor

You may want to speak with a doctor whenever you have concerns about your eye health.

If blepharitis continues to come back even with home treatment, an eye doctor may be able to determine if a prescription treatment, such as antibiotics, might be right for you.

If your dry eye causes discomfort that doesn’t get better with treatment and prevention strategies, you may want to speak with a doctor. They may be able to see if there’s tear gland dysfunction and recommend medical treatment to relieve your symptoms.

Dry eye and blepharitis are common but distinct eye conditions. They have different causes.

Dry eyes can’t cause blepharitis. It doesn’t cause the bacteria overgrowth that leads to blepharitis. And it’s not among the skin conditions that may cause blepharitis.

Blepharitis can cause dry eye. When dry eye is the result of oil gland dysfunction, the cause may be eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) or inflammation of the gland itself.

Dry eye can result from inadequate or poor tear production. There are also other risk factors, such as getting older, exposure to smoke or wind, and certain medical conditions. Blepharitis is the result of bacterial overgrowth or skin conditions.

Blepharitis and dry eye are both common eye conditions. They’re often responsive to home treatment but frequently return. Daily eyelid hygiene is the best way to prevent recurrences.

Although some people have both conditions, there’s no evidence dry eye causes blepharitis. But dry eye can be a symptom of blepharitis. An eye doctor can recommend prescription treatments if home care doesn’t relieve your symptoms of either condition.