Blepharitis and Treatment

 

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is often described as a chronic, inflammatory disease of the eyelids. It is caused by excess growths of bacteria which normally live on your eyelid and eyelashes. Blepharitis can be experienced at any age and is more commonly found with increased age.

A biofilm is made by the baterial growth that traps debris along the eyelashes and creates a place for bacterial exotoxins to flourish. These exotoxins enter eyelid tissue and cause inflammation. This in turn slows down tear production in the team glands. A decrease in tears allows even more bacterial growth and the problem compounds to cause more irritation and dry eye conditions.

Treatment of Blepharitis with BlephEx

The condition of blepharitis can grow over years and can cause damage to tear glands and to the eyelid. Our Woodbridge Optometry doctors use a technology called BlephEx™ to safely and precisely clean your eyelids, eyelashes, and surrounding areas. This can save you from long term damage that could be caused by exotoxin-laden biofilm. Treatment can prevent chronic dry eye syndrome that can occur when left untreated.

How Does BlephEx™ Work?

BlephEx™ is a painless procedure performed in our office by our doctors. It uses a specially designed tool to precisely and carefully spin a micro-sponge along the edge of your eyelids and lashes to remove debris and exfoliate. The patented micro-sponge is replaced with each patient to ensure cleanliness.

The procedure is typically less than 8 minutes and most patients simply feel a tickling sensation. A numbing drop is usually placed in each eye prior to treatment for increased comfort.

Patient are educated on eyelid hygiene to keep eyelids clean each night. The office procedure is typically repeated every four to six months for optimal benefit.