If your eyes often feel gritty or your lids look swollen by the end of the day, you’re not alone. Many people in Liverpool, Fayetteville and the greater Syracuse area experience these symptoms but assume they are due to seasonal allergies. In reality, it’s often blepharitis — a chronic inflammation of the eyelids that can make your eyes red, irritated, and uncomfortable.
At Malara Eyecare and Eye Spa, we see patients of all ages with this issue — from college students staring at digital screens for hours to retirees who’ve noticed their eyes feel sandy or irritated. The good news is that blepharitis is manageable with the proper care and consistent eyelid hygiene.
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis develops when the tiny oil glands along the eyelid margins become clogged or irritated. When this happens, the protective oils that keep your tear film healthy break down, leading to dryness, burning, and swelling. Central New York’s dry indoor air in winter, fluctuating temperatures, and prolonged periods of screen time all contribute to this condition becoming increasingly common. There are two main forms:
- Anterior blepharitis, which affects the outer eyelid and eyelash line, often due to bacteria or skin conditions like dandruff.
- Posterior blepharitis, which affects the inner edge of the eyelid and the meibomian glands that produce essential oils.
Both types can cause similar discomfort, and in many cases, patients have a combination of both.
Blepharitis Symptoms Often Mistaken for Allergies
Because blepharitis shares many symptoms with eye allergies, patients frequently misdiagnose themselves. You may have blepharitis if you notice:
- Red, swollen eyelids that stick together in the morning
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Crusting along the lashes
- Dry eyes or watery eyes
- A gritty feeling, like there’s something in your eye
While allergies tend to flare with pollen or pets, blepharitis is persistent — often worse in the morning or late at night. If your symptoms don’t go away with antihistamines or eye drops, that’s a strong sign that lid inflammation may be the real culprit.
How Malara Eyecare and Eye Spa Treats Blepharitis with Gentle, In-Office Care
At Malara Eyecare and Eye Spa, our optometrists take a soothing, medical-spa approach to treating blepharitis and lid inflammation. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all remedies, we tailor every treatment to the cause — whether it’s blocked oil glands, bacterial buildup, or chronic dryness.
1. Professional Eyelid Cleansing
Our team starts with gentle, in-office cleansing to remove bacteria, debris, and excess oil that accumulate around the lash line. These treatments go beyond what at-home wipes or warm cloths can achieve, restoring a clean and healthy foundation for your eyelids.
2. Therapeutic Heat and Massage
Warm compress therapy helps soften hardened oils in the glands, while precise eyelid massage encourages natural drainage of the oils. For many patients, this single step offers noticeable relief from burning and irritation.
3. Meibomian Gland Stimulation
When glands remain clogged, we use specialized in-office techniques to safely clear them. This restores the oil layer of the tear film—the key to comfortable, hydrated eyes.
4. Targeted Medications and Sprays
Depending on the type of blepharitis, your optometrist may recommend spray to control bacteria or lubricating gels to ease irritation. These treatments are safe for long-term use and can be easily integrated into your daily routine.
5. Nutritional and At-Home Support
Because healthy eyelids begin with a balanced tear film, we often recommend omega-3 supplements such as Nordic Naturals® to improve tear quality. Patients are also shown how to perform gentle lid hygiene at home to prevent flare-ups.
Your Path to Comfortable Eyes Starts with Blepharitis Treatment in Liverpool & Fayetteville, NY
Blepharitis may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. At Malara Eyecare and Eye Spa, our experienced optometrists use compassionate care and spa-grade technology to bring lasting relief to patients throughout Liverpool and Fayetteville.
Whether you’ve struggled with persistent lid inflammation or thought your symptoms were “just allergies,” our team can help you restore balance and comfort to your eyes. Book your next eye exam to get started with blepharitis treatments.