Blepharitis Treatment in Tustin, California
Blepharitis — At a Glance
Severity & Type
When to See a Doctor
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you experience persistent symptoms.
Key Symptoms
- Red, swollen eyelid margins
- Itchy, burning eyelids
- Crusting and flakes on the lashes, worst on waking
- Eyelids stuck together in the morning
- Gritty feeling, like sand in the eye
Treatment Options
- Eyelid Hygiene & Lid Margin Cleaning
- BlephEx Lid Debridement
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy
- XDEMVY (lotilaner) for Demodex Blepharitis
- Tea Tree Oil Lid Products
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins — the strip of skin where your lashes grow. It makes the lids red, itchy and sore, and leaves crusts or flakes on the lashes, worst first thing in the morning. It is very common, it is not contagious, and it is not caused by poor hygiene. It is also chronic: it is controlled rather than cured, and it comes back if treatment stops. Three things drive it, and the treatment depends on which one you have — bacteria and biofilm on the lid edge, Demodex mites at the base of the lashes, or blocked oil glands inside the lid. Most long-standing cases involve more than one. That is why generic lid scrubs often fail: they clean the surface but never treat the cause underneath.
Tustin families often attribute eyelid symptoms to allergies and delay care. Blepharitis may require specific treatment beyond over-the-counter allergy drops—accurate diagnosis guides effective therapy.
Dr. Bonakdar on Blepharitis
Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert blepharitis diagnosis and treatment for patients in Tustin and throughout Orange County. With over 35 years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic technology, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their specific condition severity and lifestyle needs.
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins — the strip of skin where your lashes grow. It makes the lids red, itchy and sore, and leaves crusts or flakes on the lashes, worst first thing in the morning. It is very common, it is not contagious, and it is not caused by poor hygiene. It is also chronic: it is controlled rather than cured, and it comes back if treatment stops. Three things drive it, and the treatment depends on which one you have — bacteria and biofilm on the lid edge, Demodex mites at the base of the lashes, or blocked oil glands inside the lid. Most long-standing cases involve more than one. That is why generic lid scrubs often fail: they clean the surface but never treat the cause underneath.
How is Blepharitis treated?
Treatment options include Eyelid Hygiene & Lid Margin Cleaning, BlephEx Lid Debridement, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy, XDEMVY (lotilaner) for Demodex Blepharitis. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.
What are the symptoms of Blepharitis?
Common symptoms include Red, swollen eyelid margins, Itchy, burning eyelids, Crusting and flakes on the lashes, worst on waking, Eyelids stuck together in the morning, Gritty feeling, like sand in the eye. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.
What are the symptoms of Blepharitis?
If you or a family member in Tustin experience any of the following symptoms, scheduling an evaluation sooner rather than later leads to better outcomes:
- Red, swollen eyelid margins
- Itchy, burning eyelids
- Crusting and flakes on the lashes, worst on waking
- Eyelids stuck together in the morning
- Gritty feeling, like sand in the eye
- Watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
How is Blepharitis treated?
For Tustin residents, we design treatment plans that balance effectiveness with convenience—minimizing follow-up visits while ensuring optimal outcomes:
Blepharitis FAQs for Tustin Patients
Common questions from Tustin patients about our eye care services
Have more questions? Call us at (949) 323-3600
We don't take Medi-Cal
Blepharitis Care for Tustin Residents
Eyelid and adnexal conditions like blepharitis are among the most common reasons patients visit our Tustin-area practice. Tustin families trust our practice because we combine modern technology with the personal attention of a neighborhood eye doctor. While often not sight-threatening, these conditions affect comfort, appearance, and quality of life. Dr. Bonakdar provides precise diagnosis to distinguish between conditions that look similar but require different treatments, and offers both medical and procedural options depending on the severity and chronicity of your condition.
About Tustin
Family-oriented suburban community with excellent schools
Population: 80,000+
Languages Spoken in Tustin
Our practice serves the diverse Tustin community. We provide care to patients who speak:
Eye Health Priorities for Tustin
- Whole-family eye care
- School vision screenings
- Contact lens fittings for all ages
- Progressive lens consultations
- Annual comprehensive exams
Conveniently Located Near Tustin Landmarks
Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Tustin patients living near:
Getting to Our Office from Tustin
Our office at 801 N Tustin Ave is right in Santa Ana — no freeway needed. On-site parking is available in the building.
801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get DirectionsTustin Neighborhoods We Serve
- Old Town Tustin
- Tustin Legacy
- North Tustin
- Columbus Grove
Zip codes: 92780, 92782
Why Tustin Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Blepharitis
Eyelid & Orbit Expertise
Accurate diagnosis of blepharitis guides whether medical treatment, minor procedure, or surgical referral is the right path.
In-Office Procedures
Tustin patients benefit from minor eyelid procedures performed conveniently in our office when appropriate.
Oculoplastic Referral Network
For conditions requiring oculoplastic surgery, we coordinate with fellowship-trained surgeons and manage your complete care.
Insurance Accepted
VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and most major vision and medical insurance plans accepted. We do not accept Medi-Cal.

Your Blepharitis Specialist in Tustin
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a California-licensed Optometrist (O.D.) with over 35 years of experience treating blepharitis and complex eye conditions. A graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.
Patient Stories from Tustin
See why your neighbors in Tustin trust us with their vision.
Comprehensive Exam
"Not a fan of getting my eyes checked but the receptionist and Dr. were very nice and eased my anxiety."
Comprehensive Exam
"I came back for my yearly visit and had a great experience as always."
Schedule Your Blepharitis Consultation
Expert diagnosis and treatment for Tustin and Orange County residents.

