Dry Eye, Blepharitis and Eyelid Care
Dry eye is one of the most common reasons people visit an eye doctor. It can cause burning, grittiness, redness, watering, fluctuating vision and tired eyes, especially with screen use. Air-conditioning, dust and a dry climate can make symptoms worse.
Dry eye can result from reduced tear production, increased tear evaporation, or both, and treatment depends on the diagnosis. The eyelids often play a part: inflammation of the lid margin (blepharitis) or blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction) can make tears evaporate faster. We examine your eyes to find the likely cause and plan treatment in steps.
Who it's for
- Burning, stinging, grittiness or a feeling of something in the eye.
- Red or crusty eyelid margins, flakes on the lashes or itchy lids.
- Watery eyes that become uncomfortable in wind or air-conditioning.
- Contact lens discomfort, or planning laser or cataract surgery (treating dry eye first can improve measurements and comfort).
- Recurrent chalazion (a lump in the eyelid) or eye allergy with itching and redness.
Why the tear film and oil glands are assessed
- The tear film has watery, oily and mucous components. Assessing how stable it is, and how well the meibomian glands in the eyelids produce oil, helps show whether dry eye is mainly due to reduced tear production, increased evaporation, or both.
- This guides treatment: eyelid-related (evaporative) dry eye is treated differently from reduced tear production.
Eyelid hygiene: when it helps
- For blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, daily eyelid hygiene is often an important part of treatment: warm compresses to soften the oil in the glands, followed by gentle cleaning of the lid margins and lashes, as shown by your doctor.
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene are not the main treatment for every type of dry eye. When tear production is reduced, other treatments are usually more appropriate.
- Results build up gradually, and blepharitis often needs ongoing care to keep symptoms under control.
LipiFlow and IPL: procedures for meibomian gland dysfunction
- LipiFlow (thermal pulsation): a device applies controlled warmth to the inner surface of the eyelids, close to the oil glands, together with gentle pressure on the outer eyelid, to help release blocked oil. It is used for meibomian gland dysfunction (evaporative dry eye).
- IPL (intense pulsed light): pulses of light are applied to the skin of the cheeks and nose below the eyes, with the eyes fully protected. It is used to improve signs of dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, usually alongside other treatments such as lid hygiene, warm compresses and gland expression. It is not suitable for every skin type.
- Not every patient with dry eye needs either procedure. Whether one of them may help depends on your examination and diagnosis, and your doctor will explain the expected benefits, limitations and possible side effects. Results vary, and home care is usually still needed.
How it works
- Assessment: a discussion of your symptoms, medications and screen habits, and an examination of the tear film and its stability, the lid margins and the meibomian glands.
- Home care where suitable: lubricating drops, adjustments to screen time and environment and, for eyelid-related dry eye, warm compresses and lid cleaning.
- Medical treatment: depending on the cause, this may include anti-inflammatory drops, treatment for eyelash mites (Demodex), antibiotics or allergy drops.
- Procedures when suitable: for meibomian gland dysfunction, LipiFlow or IPL may be recommended if your examination shows they are suitable. A chalazion that does not settle may need an injection or a small procedure to drain it.
Recovery
- Dry eye is often a long-term condition. Improvement is usually gradual over weeks, and keeping up the recommended routine matters.
- We review your progress at follow-up visits and adjust the plan.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my eyes watery if I have dry eye?
Tears may increase even though the tear film remains disturbed and unstable. These extra tears do not correct the underlying problem, so the eye can still feel dry and irritated.
Is dry eye curable?
Dry eye is usually controlled rather than cured. Treatment depends on the cause, and many people find their symptoms easier to manage with the right plan.
How do I clean my eyelids at home?
If your doctor recommends eyelid hygiene, for example for blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction, they will show you a routine, usually a warm compress for several minutes followed by gentle cleaning of the lash line. Doing it regularly matters more than doing it intensively.
Will my dry eye affect LASIK or cataract surgery?
It can. Dry eye can affect measurements before surgery and comfort afterwards, so we often treat it first.
Can a chalazion go away on its own?
Many settle with warm compresses and lid hygiene over a few weeks. A persistent one may need treatment. A recurring lump in the same place should be examined.
Do I need LipiFlow or IPL?
Not necessarily. Many people improve with home care and medical treatment. These procedures are considered for meibomian gland dysfunction when your examination shows they may help, and your doctor will discuss whether they suit you.
Your care team
- Treatment plan and procedures: Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah
- Assessment and follow-up: Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah; Dr. Ahmed Temraz
Book an appointment
To book a dry eye and eyelid assessment, message us on WhatsApp at +965 2220 4200 or call 22204200. Our team will find a suitable time and explain what the visit involves. The consultation fee is explained when you book. The costs of any tests or procedures are explained to you before they are carried out.
This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and results differ from person to person and will be discussed with you by your doctor.