BlephEx® Treatment for Blepharitis

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition in which the eyelids become red and swollen. It is a bacterial infection caused by the presence of Staphylococcus bacteria on the eyelids. An abundant growth of the bacteria produces a biofilm that traps debris leading to inflammation.

The condition can also be caused by the blockage of the Meibomian glands, preventing oil from being secreted. Blepharitis can actually develop over several years, getting worse over time if left untreated.

Symptoms of Blepharitis

The main symptoms for blepharitis are sore and red eyelids. Other symptoms can include itchy eyelids, crust forming on eyelashes, strong aversion to light and blurred vision. There may also be flaking of skin on the eyelids, watery eyes, abnormalities in the growth or loss of eyelashes are also common symptoms of the disease.

Treatment of blepharitis

The condition is not contagious and can be managed very effectively. Though there is no permanent cure, most people are able to keep their condition under control with several remedies.

BlephEx® treatment

A relatively new product on the market is proving to be doing wonders with blepharitis treatment. Called BlephEx®, it is a hand-held medical device that can exfoliate the eyelids and remove the debris formed there. The device uses a micro-sponge, which has been dipped in a lid scrub solution, which spins along the edge of the eyelids, exfoliating the skin and removing the debris. The eyelids are then washed properly. The micro-sponge is disposable in order to prevent the infection from spreading. The procedure can be carried out in ten minutes, depending on severity of build-up. This is a painless process, although some patients might experience a tickling sensation. The optometrist may apply numbing drops to the eyes should the sensation not abate. This treatment shows immediate improvement to the condition, however, it has to be performed 2-3 times a year to keep blepharitis from fully developing again.

For milder cases of blepharitis treatment can also include simple remedies such as the following:

  • Warm compress: Applying warm compress on your eyes will help loosen the flakes and lessen the crustiness around the eyelids. This may be carried out with a clean facecloth soaked in hot water, for more effective results there are heat masks specifically designed for the treatment
  • General eye hygiene: Wash your eyelashes with commercially available lid scrubs, these are often pre-soaked in a cleansing solution, ready to use or solutions that may be used with cotton pads.

For further information about Blephex or other services available at Blackheath Eyecare please contact us or to book an eye examination.