Understanding dry eye disease, blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction with insights from Alina K. Stanciu, MD.
Burning eyes, excessive tearing, blurry vision, and persistent eyelid irritation are common symptoms that can interfere with everyday activities. While these concerns are sometimes attributed to aging, allergies, or extended screen time, they may indicate an underlying eye condition requiring medical attention.
Dry eye disease, blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) are among the conditions that can contribute to chronic eye discomfort.
At Naples Eye & Aesthetics Institute in Naples, Florida, board-certified ophthalmologist Alina K. Stanciu, MD, FACS, FAAO, FASRS, provides individualized eye care focused on understanding the causes of symptoms and identifying appropriate treatment options.
What Causes Dry, Burning, or Irritated Eyes?
Dry eye disease develops when the eyes do not produce sufficient tears or when the tear film becomes unstable and evaporates too quickly.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations
- Watery eyes or excessive tearing
- Redness and light sensitivity
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Discomfort during prolonged screen use
Several underlying conditions may contribute to these symptoms.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins. It may cause redness, itching, crusting near the eyelashes, and recurring irritation.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Meibomian glands are small oil-producing glands located within the eyelids. They help maintain the oily layer of the tear film, reducing excessive tear evaporation.
When these glands become blocked or function improperly, the tear film may become unstable, contributing to evaporative dry eye disease.
Ocular Rosacea
Ocular rosacea is an inflammatory condition that can affect the eyelids and ocular surface, sometimes causing burning, redness, dryness, and sensitivity to light.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Eye allergies frequently cause itching, redness, and watery eyes. Because symptoms may overlap with dry eye disease, an accurate diagnosis is important.
Dr. Stanciu’s Published Insights on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
In an October 2025 article published in Southwest Florida’s Health & Wellness Magazine, Dr. Alina K. Stanciu discussed meibomian gland dysfunction and its relationship to dry eye disease.
Her published educational article addresses the role of the eyelid’s oil-producing glands in maintaining tear-film stability and explains how gland dysfunction may contribute to ocular discomfort.
This topic is particularly important because dry This topic is particularly important because dry eye symptoms can result from insufficient tear production, excessive tear evaporation, or a combination of both.
Read Dr. Stanciu’s published article: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye Disease.
Why Are My Eyes Watery If They Are Dry?
Although it may seem contradictory, watery eyes can be a symptom of dry eye disease.
When the ocular surface becomes irritated, the eyes may produce additional reflex tears. However, these tears may not adequately restore the stability of the tear film.
Excessive tearing can also be associated with allergies, eyelid abnormalities, or tear-drainage problems.
A comprehensive eye examination can help determine the underlying cause.
How Is Dry Eye Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosing dry eye disease involves more than evaluating symptoms alone.
The TFOS DEWS II Diagnostic Methodology Report, published in the peer-reviewed journal The Ocular Surface, emphasizes the importance of evaluating tear-film stability, ocular-surface health, and other clinical findings.
Depending on the patient’s symptoms and examination, an ophthalmologist may assess:
- Tear-film quality and stability
- Eyelid margins and meibomian gland function
- Corneal and conjunctival health
- Signs of ocular-surface inflammation
- Medications or medical conditions that may contribute to dryness
Understanding the underlying cause helps guide individualized treatment decisions.
What Are the Treatment Options for Dry Eye and Eyelid Inflammation?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and overall eye health.
Depending on clinical findings, management may include:
- Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops
- Prescription medications when appropriate
- Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene
- Management of meibomian gland dysfunction
- Treatment of associated allergies or inflammatory conditions
- Additional therapies when clinically indicated
Not every patient requires the same treatment. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated to determine whether tear deficiency, excessive evaporation, eyelid inflammation, or another condition is contributing to discomfort.
Can Everyday Habits Help Reduce Eye Irritation?
Daily habits can influence eye comfort, especially for patients who spend extended periods using digital devices.
Helpful measures may include taking regular screen breaks, blinking fully, avoiding direct airflow from fans or air-conditioning vents, and following a physician-recommended eyelid-care routine.
Gentle skincare and appropriate moisturization may help protect the delicate skin surrounding the eyes, but cosmetic products should not replace medical treatment for dry eye disease or eyelid inflammation.
Why Does Dry Eye Matter Before Cataract Surgery?
A stable tear film is important for clear vision and accurate measurements during cataract surgery planning.
Significant ocular-surface dryness may affect the reliability of certain measurements used to calculate intraocular lens power.
Identifying and managing dry eye before cataract surgery can therefore be an important part of preparing for the procedure, particularly when evaluating premium lens options.
When Should You See an Ophthalmologist?
Persistent burning, redness, watery eyes, fluctuating vision, or recurring eyelid irritation may warrant a comprehensive eye examination.
Sudden vision loss, significant eye pain, or severe redness accompanied by light sensitivity requires urgent medical evaluation.
Dry Eye Treatment and Eyelid Care in Naples, Florida
At Naples Eye & Aesthetics Institute, Dr. Alina K. Stanciu provides personalized ophthalmic evaluations for patients experiencing dry eye symptoms, eyelid inflammation, and other concerns affecting visual comfort.
Understanding the underlying cause of symptoms is an important step toward selecting appropriate care and maintaining long-term eye health.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation
Call (239) 949-2020 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina K. Stanciu in Naples, Florida.
Medical References & Further Reading
Physician-Attributed Educational Publication
Stanciu AK. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye Disease. Southwest Florida’s Health & Wellness Magazine. October 2025.
Read Dr. Stanciu’s published article
Peer-Reviewed Medical Research
Wolffsohn JS, et al. TFOS DEWS II Diagnostic Methodology Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017;15(3):539–574.
Medical reviewer: Alina K. Stanciu, MD, FACS, FAAO, FASRS — Pending review and approval.