What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the eyelids which is caused by an overgrowth of normal bacteria living along the eyelid and the base of the eyelashes. As we age, we make fewer natural antibodies in our tears. For this reason, the prevalence increases with age, even though anybody can get blepharitis at any age.

            This bacteria overgrowth produces a biofilm that traps scurf and debris along the eyelashes. Then, the low-grade inflammation is caused which adversely affects the tear glands, turning down tear production. More bacteria accumulate and a vicious cycle is established, leading to chronic irritation and dry eye.

            Since the eyelids are difficult to clean at home, this bacteria overgrowth can accumulate over the years and the inflammation can cause significant damage to the eyelids and tear glands.

            Thanks to BlephEx, your eye doctor can precisely and safely clean and exfoliate your eyelids and lashes. By doing so, your symptoms will significantly improve, and it will help you avoid the long-term inflammatory damage to your tear glands, preventing chronic dry eye syndrome.

How does it work?

            BlephEx is a painless in-office procedure performed by your eyecare professional. A medical grade micro-sponge is used to precisely and carefully spin along the edge of your lids and lashes. Thus, removing the scurf and debris while exfoliating your eyelids.

            The micro-sponge is disposable, and a clean one is used for each individual, then it is disposed. Afterward, the eyes are rinsed thoroughly.

            The procedure lasts approximately six minutes and is well-tolerated. Most patients describe it as a tickling sensation. Prior to the procedure, a numbing eye drop will be instilled for increased comfort.

            After the procedure, the patient is instructed on how to maintain their clean eyelids with regular daily lid hygiene. Since home treatments are only semi-effective, the procedure is typically repeated every 4-6 months.

Is BlephEx right for you?

            If you summer from symptoms such as: itchy or scratchy eyes, foreign body sensation, tearing, crusting, redness/inflammation, mattering, dry eye, and/or eye rubbing, you may be suffering from blepharitis.

            This condition can only be diagnosed by your eye doctor. For this reason, it is essential that you communicate with your doctor of your eye symptoms and inquire about BlephEx – the latest in eyecare technology for lid disease.      

            Several other conditions may affect the severity of blepharitis, such as dry eye disease, allergies, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, age, contact lens wear, poor immune status, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s disease, and androgen deficiency.

            If left untreated blepharitis can lead directly or indirectly to several eyelid diseases such as chalazia, distichiasis, and trichiasis.

            Your eye health and comfort are extremely important to us at Boutique Eye Orlando. Contact us to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Brian Haas if you are suffering from any of these symptoms.