Dry Eye=Blepharitis?

[Natalie06]

We all know that bleph causes dry eye symptoms but why does the opposite happen? Since the weather got colder and drier, my blepharitis has gone out of contol despite being back on minocycline, lid scrubs, lots of tears and hot packs.

The Theratears website says that dry eyes are more susceptible to bacterial colonization on the lids but they are also pushing their own lid foam..Sterilid which supposedly has antibacterial properties. It also states that punctal plugs are also susceptible to the same phenomenon which I personally believe since my lower lids (with lower plugs) are bothering me too.

Any feedback about this? I have had different opinions about the plugs...some MD's have told me to remove them since the bleph always seems worse with them in and some say keep them due to the severity of my dry eye. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle.

Natalie

[BillyBoy]

Bleph and Plugs..

Dr. Bazan,

If one indeed has blepharitis and / or MGD, would it not make sense to remove plugs as to "open the drains" to improve the movement of bacteria off the eye. I had plugs installed in the lower punctum last year before any diagnosis of blepharitis. The plugs did not appear to improve my discomfort or make it any worse. On another subject, I'm on day 17 with the Azasite. My discomfort has been reduced by about 80% and continues. I'm hoping the next 12 days on it will wipe out the infection completely.

Thanks as always for your time.

[TARYN]

azasite

Hi Billy Boy,

I have MGD and was thinking about trying Azasite. My eyelids get inflamed and swollen from the MGD. Would you know if the Azasite helps with that?
Also I live Maryland and see that you live in Northern Virginia. Do you have an eye doctor to recommend?

Thank you

[BillyBoy]

Azasite...

Hey Taryn,

Your doctor of course is the better person to ask your question. My answer as a patient on Azasite, is... Yes try it. Have you been diagnosed with blepharitis ever? If so, Azasite may be the perfect antibiotic for you. It's not yet approved for treatment of blepharitis as far as I know, but there are ongoing trials. I am actually seeing the LASIK surgeon and corneal specialist who did my LASIK procedure. Email me if you'd like his contact information and if you would like to know the techniques that help me tremendously. The procedure was great as I see 20/15 in both eyes. For some reason I developed some dryness and possible MGD or bleph. afterwards. BILLDENNYUSA@GMAIL.COM. I'd love to help you out.