Can anterior blepharitis cause dry eye?

Blepharitis: Blepharitis can contribute to dry eye as the eyes stay moist through a combination of mucous production from goblet cells, a low level of tear production and oil production along the lids form glands such as Meibomian glands. The inflammation associated with blepharitis can reduce oil production exacerbating dry eye symptoms. The mainstay of treatment are warm compress and hygiene.

Yes: Anterior blepharitis typically will be noticed by debris on the lashes. This is commonly caused by overgrowth of bacteria (which normally live there). The toxins they secrete can start the inflammatory cycle which can lead to dry eye. Alternatively, demodex mites are another cause of inflammation that can be diagnosed by plucking eyelashes and looking under the microscope.