(The complete Dermophthalmology Guide)
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that we usually associate with the body and the scalp. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly clear that:Psoriasis can also affect the eyes — including causing blurry vision.
Inflammation may appear:
- on the eyelids
- along the lash line (blepharitis)
- on the ocular surface (dry eye, keratitis)
- or, in advanced cases, inside the eye (anterior/posterior uveitis)
International studies and organizations, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and dermatology/ophthalmology journals, report that at least ~10% of patients with psoriasis experience some form of ocular involvement (dry eye, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis), while in some series, especially in patients with psoriatic arthritis, the rates are even higher.
This connection of skin – eyelids – tear film – vision is precisely the core of: Dermophthalmology the new scientific approach combining Dermatology + Ophthalmology to understand and treat the Ophthalmo-Dermal Axis.
More: Dermophthalmology — official source: https://Dermophthalmology.com
The “Hygiene Revolution”: from Hippocrates to Dermophthalmology: https://ophthalmogen.com/2025/10/25/i-epanastasi-tis-ygiinis-apo-ton-ippokrati-sti-dermophthalomologia/
- How Psoriasis Affects the Skin Around the Eyes
The eyelid skin is:
- 4× thinner than regular facial skin
- more fragile
- contains the Meibomian glands within the tarsal plate
- constantly exposed to makeup, sweat, tears, pollution
When psoriasis affects this area:
- skin becomes dry, red, flaky
- scales accumulate along the lash line
- inflammation increases
- Meibomian glands become obstructed
- the tear film becomes unstable
Result:
- dry eye
- blepharitis
- intermittent blurry vision, especially with screen exposure & air-conditioning
- Why Does Vision Become Blurry?
Blurry vision in psoriasis is not only refractive (myopia/presbyopia).Often it is biochemical and tear-film-related: Inflammation causes:
- thicker, unstable meibum
- faster tear evaporation
- mucin disruption from inflammatory cytokines
- superficial keratitis (SPK)
This produces:
- fluctuating clarity
- eye fatigue
- screen intolerance
- nighttime driving difficulty
Detailed analysis:https://ophthalmogen.com/2024/06/28/blepete-thola/
- What International Studies Show
Indicative findings:
- Journal of Dermatology significant association between psoriasis, dry eye & chronic blepharitis
- The Ocular Surface periocular inflammation disrupts tear breakup time (TBUT) within days
- Eye & Contact Lens contact lens intolerance is higher in psoriasis due to MGD
- British Journal of Dermatology psoriatic arthritis linked with high rates of uveitis
- Clinical Ophthalmology increased frequency of chalazia in psoriasis due to chronic lid inflammation
- Chalazion, Psoriasis & Blurry Vision
Psoriasis increases risk of:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- recurrent chalazia
- constant gland congestion
Each Chalazion:
- presses on the eyelids,
- affects the flow of meibum,
- worsens evaporative dry eye,
- and ultimately contributes to blurred vision.
See in detail:
Relevant articles: Chalazion – Hygiene – Prevention – Demodex: https://ophthalmogen.com/2025/10/20/chalazion-hygiene-prevention-demodex/
Chalazion – Psoriasis – Dermatomyositis:https://ophthalmogen.com/2025/09/10/halazio-psoriasi-dermatomyositida/
- Makeup, Psoriasis & Blurry Eyes
Patients with eyelid psoriasis often:
- use heavier concealers/shadows to hide redness,
- they apply mascara & eyeliner too close to the lash line,
- have difficulty removing makeup due to skin sensitivity.
So:
- product residues accumulate on the eyelids,
- biofilm is created,
- the glands clog even more easily,
- Dry eyes and blurred vision worsen.
Detailed article:Makeup & Eye Health — What mascara never told you https://ophthalmogen.com/2025/10/24/makigiaz-ygeia-ton-mation-osa-den-sas-eipe-pote-i-maskara/
- The Role of Dermophthalmology &WOD
Dermophthalmology views psoriasis as a condition affecting:
- affects eyelids, eyelashes, Meibomian glands, tear film, vision,
- requires collaboration between a Dermatologist + Ophthalmologist,
- Daily eyelid hygiene is needed as the basis of treatment.
The World Organization of Dermophthalmology (WOD) supports the creation of hygiene and education protocols for conditions such as: psoriatic blepharitis, chalazion, dry eye and blurred vision in the context of systemic dermatoses.
- Daily Support & Dermophthalmology Protocol
Medical treatment is determined by a doctor.Daily support focuses on:
- Controlled Heat Therapy
- melts thick meibum
- improves flow
- eases evaporative dry eye
- Targeted Lash-Line Cleansing
- removes scales/plaque
- controls Demodex
- improves tear stability
- Hydration & Ocular Surface Protection
- τεχνητά δάκρυα,
- βιταμινούχα σκευάσματα,
- προστασία σε οθόνες & κλιματισμό.
Η φιλοσοφία αυτή αναλύεται και στη “μικρή επανάσταση” της καθημερινής υγιεινής που περιγράφεται στο:https://ophthalmogen.com/2025/10/25/i-epanastasi-tis-ygiinis-apo-ton-ippokrati-sti-dermophthalomologia/
- FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
- Can psoriasis cause blurry vision?
Yes — often through dry eye, MGD & inflammation.
- through dry eye,
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD),
- blepharitis that disrupts the tear film.
- If I repair the skin of my eyelids, will my vision also improve?
In many cases, yes. Stabilizing the tear film with:
- psoriasis treatment (medical),
- daily hygiene (Dermophthalmology),
leads to less blurring, less burning, clearer vision.
- What should I do if I have psoriasis and frequent dandruff?
- Inform your ophthalmologist about your psoriasis diagnosis.
- Requested a Meibomian gland evaluation.
- Apply Ophthalmogen systematic eyelid hygiene.
See:https://ophthalmogen.com/2025/10/20/chalazion-hygiene-prevention-demodex/
https://ophthalmogen.com/2025/09/10/halazio-psoriasi-dermatomyositida/
- Should I stop wearing makeup if I have eyelid psoriasis?
Not necessarily forever, but:
- In times of exacerbation, it is best to limit it,
- choose products with eye safety,
- avoid heavy eyeliner on the lashline,
- and do a thorough, gentle cleanse every night.
See: https://ophthalmogen.com/2025/10/24/makigiaz-ygeia-ton-mation-osa-den-sas-eipe-pote-i-maskara/
- When should I be seriously concerned?
Immediate examination by an ophthalmologist if:
- the blurred vision is sudden or severe,
- you have pain in your eye,
- you see lights, flies or a “curtain” in your field of vision,
- You have a very red eye with photophobia.
- Conclusion
Psoriasis and blurry vision are deeply connected through:
- Meibomian glands
- eyelid skin
- tear film stability
- ocular surface inflammation
Dermophthalmology offers:
- a new language
- a scientific framework
- actionable hygienic steps to complement medical therapy.
With proper medical monitoring and intelligent daily care:psoriasis does NOT have to mean permanently blurry eyes —but a new integrated path toward comfort, clarity & confidence.
