Dry Eye & Blepharitis- Huntington Woods
Dry Eye Treatment & Blepharitis Care in Huntington Woods, MI
Dry Eye
When your eyes fail to maintain adequate moisture levels or lose tears too rapidly, dry eye syndrome develops, creating uncomfortable sensations, visual disturbances, and interference with everyday tasks. Blepharitis manifests as persistent eyelid inflammation along the lash line, producing redness, swelling, itching, and characteristic flaking or crusty deposits.
Dr. Jeffrey Kalt brings over 30 years of specialized experience treating dry eye syndrome and blepharitis, having completed advanced fellowship training in Corneal Surgery at the prestigious University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. His extensive experience with ocular surface diseases makes him uniquely qualified to address the environmental challenges faced by Huntington Woods residents.
Dr. Bianca Kizy earned her medical degree with distinction from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed comprehensive ophthalmology residency training at Henry Ford Hospital. Her patient-centered approach and commitment to family-oriented care aligns perfectly with Huntington Woods’ community values and residents’ expectations for thorough, compassionate medical treatment.
Dry Eyes – Recognizing the Signs and Treatments
Common Dry Eye Symptoms:
- Persistent burning, stinging, or gritty sensation (feeling like sand in the eyes)
- Paradoxical excessive tearing as eyes try to compensate for poor tear quality
- Blurred vision that temporarily clears with blinking
- Difficulty focusing during reading or computer work
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Stringy mucus discharge, especially noticeable upon waking
- Red, irritated, bloodshot-appearing eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses due to discomfort
- Progressive eye fatigue that worsens throughout the day
- Challenges with nighttime driving due to glare sensitivity and halos around lights
Treatments:
Treatment for dry eye syndrome employs a multi-layered approach that addresses both immediate symptom relief and underlying causes. Initial treatment typically begins with high-quality artificial tears or lubricating eye drops used regularly throughout the day to supplement natural tear production and provide moisture to the eye surface. For more persistent cases, prescription medications like Restasis (cyclosporine) or Xiidra (lifitegrast) work to reduce inflammation and stimulate the body’s natural tear production over time, though these medications may take several weeks to months to show full effectiveness.
Blepharitis
Symptoms of Blepharitis
- Red, swollen, puffy eyelids, particularly along the lash line
- Flaky, dandruff-like scales or crusts clinging to eyelashes
- Eyelids that stick together upon waking due to overnight crusting
- Intense itching and burning sensations along eyelid margins
- Foreign body sensation (feeling like something is constantly in the eyes)
- Excessive tearing in response to chronic irritation
- Eyelash abnormalities: frequent loss, abnormal growth direction, brittleness
Blepharitis treatment focuses on establishing consistent daily eyelid hygiene routines combined with targeted medical interventions to control inflammation and bacterial overgrowth. The cornerstone of treatment involves warm compress therapy, where patients apply warm, moist heat to closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes twice daily to soften hardened oils in the eyelid glands and promote drainage. Following warm compresses, gentle eyelid massage using clean fingers or cotton swabs helps express blocked oils and remove debris from the lash line.
