Understanding Blepharitis: How Dr. Valeria Rubinstein in New York City Can Help Diagnose and Treat This Common Eye Condition

Blepharitis is a common yet often misunderstood eye condition that can cause persistent irritation, redness, and discomfort along the eyelid margins. For many people, blepharitis can be a chronic problem that interferes with daily life — but with the right care, it is manageable. If you’re dealing with symptoms like itchy, swollen eyelids or crusting at the lash line, Dr. Valeria Rubinstein, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist in New York City, can help provide the expert diagnosis and treatment you need to find relief.

What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, particularly at the base of the eyelashes. It can affect people of all ages and is typically categorized into two main types:

  1. Anterior Blepharitis: Affects the front edge of the eyelid, where the eyelashes grow. It is often caused by bacteria or skin conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
  2. Posterior Blepharitis: Involves the inner edge of the eyelid, where it touches the eye. This form is frequently associated with dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing part of the eye’s tear film.

Common Symptoms of Blepharitis

The signs of blepharitis can be bothersome and persistent, including:

  • Red, swollen eyelids
  • Flaking or crusting around the lashes
  • Itchy or burning sensation in the eyes
  • Watery or dry eyes
  • Grittiness or the feeling of “something in the eye”
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision that improves with blinking

How Dr. Valeria Rubinstein Can Help

At New York Medical & Surgical Eye Care, Dr. Valeria Rubinstein offers comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans for blepharitis. Her patient-centered approach focuses not only on relieving symptoms but also on addressing the underlying causes to reduce flare-ups and improve long-term eye health.

  1. Accurate Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis is key to effective blepharitis management. Dr. Rubinstein conducts a thorough eye exam to evaluate your eyelids, lashes, tear film, and oil glands. She may also use specialized diagnostic tools, such as:

  • Slit-lamp examination: To get a magnified view of the eyelid margins and ocular surface.
  • Meibomian gland evaluation: To assess the health and function of the glands.
  • Tear film analysis: To determine if dry eye is contributing to your symptoms.
  1. Customized Treatment Plans

Dr. Rubinstein tailors each treatment plan based on the type and severity of blepharitis, as well as individual patient needs. Options may include:

  • Lid hygiene routines: Gentle cleaning of the eyelids with recommended cleansers or wipes to reduce bacterial load and debris.
  • Warm compresses: To soften oils in the meibomian glands and improve gland function.
  • Prescription medications: Such as antibiotic or steroid eye drops and ointments to control inflammation and infection.
  • In-office procedures: For more stubborn cases, Dr. Rubinstein may recommend advanced treatments such as blepharoexfoliation or thermal gland expression to restore proper gland function and reduce inflammation.
  1. Long-Term Management and Education

Because blepharitis is often a chronic condition, ongoing care is essential. Dr. Rubinstein provides patients with practical tools and strategies for managing symptoms at home and preventing recurrences. This may include regular follow-ups, education on eye-friendly skincare products, and lifestyle modifications to support ocular health.

Why Choose Dr. Rubinstein?

Patients in New York City trust Dr. Valeria Rubinstein for her blend of clinical expertise, compassionate care, and commitment to personalized treatment. With years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions — including blepharitis — she helps patients achieve relief and regain confidence in their eye health.

Her practice at New York Medical & Surgical Eye Care is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offers a welcoming environment where patients can feel comfortable and cared for.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re experiencing persistent eyelid irritation, crusting, or dry eye symptoms, don’t wait for them to get worse. Dr. Valeria Rubinstein can help you get to the root of the problem and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

📍 Location: New York Medical & Surgical Eye Care
110 East 40th Street
Suite 404
New York, NY 10016
📞 Call to book your appointment at (212) 242-2200 or visit the clinic’s website to schedule online.

Your eyes deserve expert care — and with Dr. Rubinstein, you’re in experienced hands.