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Dry Eyes and Blepharitis Management
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce adequate tears or when they are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly.
Inflammation of the surface of the eye may occur along with dry eye and can lead to pain, ulcers, or scars on the cornea and some loss of vision if untreated. However, permanent loss of vision from dry eye is uncommon.
Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform certain activities, such as using a computer or reading for prolonged periods of time and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments, such as inside an airplane.
This is chronic inflammation of the eyelids resulting in crusting, redness and swelling. There is often a sensation of grittiness and discomfort. It is more common in young children, those with acne (pimples) and in those over 50 years of age. The exact cause of blepharitis is unknown but it is thought to be due to a reaction between the bacteria that live naturally on the skin and the oils produced by the lid glands.
Many patients with blepharitis also have associated dry eyes. There is no cure for blepharitis and treatment consists of a daily eyelid-cleaning routine and artificial tear drops.
In some cases, treatment with antibiotic and steroid eye drops may be needed. Some patients also benefit from oral antibiotics which may be required for four to six weeks or longer in more severe cases.
Dry Eye Treatment Options We Offer
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity of your dry eye, and may include:
Lubricating and Medicated Eye Drops
Artificial tears help relieve mild symptoms, while medicated drops can address underlying inflammation in more persistent cases.
Eyelid Warming and Cleansing Therapy
Warm compress and lid hygiene routines help unblock the oil glands along the eyelid margin that keep tears from evaporating too quickly.
In-Clinic Procedures
For more persistent dry eye, in-clinic options such as punctal plugs (which reduce tear drainage) or light- and heat-based therapies for the eyelid glands may be considered, depending on suitability. [SP/clinic to confirm exact in-clinic modalities offered and preferred generic or brand naming before publishing.]
When Should You See a Dry Eye Specialist?
Occasional dryness after a long day at a screen is common and often settles with over-the-counter drops. It’s worth seeing an eye doctor if your symptoms are persistent, affecting your daily activities, or not improving with basic measures — particularly if you also notice redness, crusting along the lash line, or sensitivity to light, which can point to blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction rather than simple dryness. Our eye specialist in Singapore can assess the underlying cause and recommend a treatment plan suited to your eyes. If you’re also considering [laser vision correction], note that well-controlled dry eye is one of the factors assessed for suitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dry eyes be permanently cured?
Dry eye is usually a chronic condition that’s managed rather than permanently cured. With the right combination of treatments, most patients see significant improvement in comfort and symptom control.
What is the difference between dry eye and blepharitis?
Dry eye relates to the quality or quantity of your tears, while blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margin itself. The two conditions commonly occur together and share some treatments, which is why they’re assessed and managed together at Nova Eye Centre.
How much does dry eye treatment cost in Singapore?
Cost depends on the treatments recommended for your specific condition, from simple lubricating drops to in-clinic procedures. Contact us for a consultation and personalised cost estimate.