Patients who suffer from blepharitis have long been frustrated by the limited treatment options available for the condition. The area around the eyelids are notoriously difficult to keep clean, and antibiotic or steroid topical treatments are inconvenient and open the door for bacteria to build up again once the treatment has stopped. Now, the revolutionary BlephEx procedure has presented an easy alternative that can keep your eyelids clean of blepharitis.
What is Blepharitis and What are the Symptoms?
Blepharitis is a major contributor of Dry Eye Syndrome. It is a chronic condition which results from the buildup of bacteria around the eyelids. The bacteria eventually produces a film which causes toxins to enter the eyelid area and leads to inflammation.
Blepharitis and Dry Eye Syndrome often make each condition worse. This means the condition can worsen in a snowball effect, whereby the more bacteria that are present, the fewer tears are produced, creating an environment suitable for additional bacteria growth.
Although any person is susceptible to developing blepharitis, older patients are generally at greater risk due to an increased load of bacteria on the eyelids.
How Can BlephEx be Used to Treat Blepharitis?
Bacteria thrive around the eyelid because the area is extremely sensitive and difficult to clean, unlike other skin on the body. In order to stave off infection and ensure the condition doesn’t return, thorough cleaning of the eyelid is necessary. BlephEx is a handheld device that painlessly moves a patented microsponge across the eyelid, which both cleans the area of bacteria and exfoliates the skin for optimal health.
How Does the BlephEx Procedure Work?
The BlephEx procedure is performed in-office under the supervision of an eye care specialist. The session typically lasts between 6-8 minutes, resulting in the removal of bacteria and debris along the eyelid and exfoliation of the skin. Although patients report only a mild tickling sensation during the procedure, numbing eye drops are typically added for additional comfort.
If the procedure is to be performed on both eyes, the disposable microsponge is replaced for each individual eyelid. Clinicians then give the patient instructions on how to maintain eyelid cleanliness, though the BlephEx procedure may need to be repeated at regular intervals of approximately 4-6 months.
Additional Things to Know
BlephEx is giving hope to sufferers of chronic blepharitis who have struggles with steroids and antibiotics for years, only to see their symptoms return frequently. If you are in the Jacksonville area and want better control of your blepharitis and improve your dry eyes, contact the eye care professionals at Florida Eye Specialists. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our patients by practicing the most innovative and effective techniques in the field of eye care. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about BlephEx or for any questions about your eye health.