Introducing BlephEx® and Blepharitis Treatment at Dry Eye and Wellness
Blepharitis, a common eye condition, is characterized by inflammation of the eyelids. The base of the eyelashes and the oil glands (meibomian glands) along the eyelid edges are typically affected. This condition gives rise to discomfort, redness, irritation, and eyelid itching.
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis can manifest as either a short-term acute issue or a persistent chronic one, often coinciding with other eye conditions like dry eye syndrome or conjunctivitis.
This persistent and inflammatory eye ailment emerges from the excessive growth of normal bacteria near the base of eyelashes and the eyelid edges. While it can affect people of all ages, its prevalence tends to increase with age due to the decreased production of natural antibodies in tears.
The overgrowth of bacteria leads to crust formation on the eyelids and the development of a sticky biofilm, creating an environment conducive to bacterial exotoxins. It can be difficult to clean the edges of the eyelids, as this can cause a further increase in bacterial growth if not done properly.
The biofilm's layer of bacteria on the eyelid causes more bacteria to grow, leading to many unpleasant symptoms. The toxins produced by the bacteria also cause ongoing inflammation in different parts of the eyelid, including the tear glands.
Understanding the Symptoms of Blepharitis
The common symptoms of blepharitis are:
- Itching or a gritty sensation in the eyes
- Inflammation marked by redness
- A persistent feeling of a foreign object in the eye
- Eyelid crusting
- Excessive tearing
- Dry eyes
Often, individuals resort to eye rubbing in an attempt to find relief.
Does it feel like you identify with the symptoms of blepharitis? Get in touch with Dry Eye and Wellness in Sugar Land to get diagnosed today.
What Are the Traditional Treatments?
Addressing blepharitis has traditionally involved patients cleaning their eyelid margins using a cotton swab dipped in baby shampoo or specialized commercial lid care products applied to a fingertip. However, this routine can prove cumbersome to maintain at home and might yield limited effectiveness.
The Stages of Blepharitis
The consequences of untreated blepharitis can progress through four stages, potentially leading to chronic inflammation, tear insufficiency, and even structural damage to the eyelid.
Stage 1: A nascent biofilm forms alongside swollen lash follicles and misdirected lashes.
Stage 2: Meibomian gland inflammation accompanied by obstructions.
Stage 3: Involves the lacrimal gland, resulting in insufficient tear production and a diminished tear reservoir.
Stage 4: Chronic inflammation leading to the compromised structural integrity of the eyelids, eventually giving rise to issues like lid laxity, inward eyelid turning (entropion), and outward eyelid turning (ectropion).
Introducing BlephEx®
Introducing a groundbreaking solution for blepharitis, the BlephEx procedure has been developed by a certified ophthalmologist. This in-office procedure is carried out by skilled eye care professionals, offering a proactive approach to managing blepharitis that goes beyond merely relying on patients' attempts at partially effective home lid scrubs.
How is BlephEx® different?
The BlephEx procedure steps in as a viable remedy by facilitating direct cleansing and exfoliation of the eyelids and lashes. This highly effective intervention efficiently eliminates the problematic biofilm, swiftly alleviating symptoms and curtailing potential long-term harm to the tear glands.
When executed correctly, BlephEx® holds the potential to significantly lessen or even alleviate the persistent and distressing symptoms associated with these conditions. The treatment sessions are typically scheduled at regular monthly intervals, with the frequency determined by the severity of your condition.
By eradicating the underlying inflammatory factors responsible for blepharitis, the overall health of the eyelid experiences a marked improvement. This positive change enables patients to naturally increase their tear production, resulting in a life unburdened by the chronic and bothersome symptoms tied to blepharitis and its subsequent dry eye.
Does My Insurance cover BlephEx® Treatment?
Although BlephEx® treatment is not currently covered by insurance, it is a remarkably cost-effective procedure, particularly compared to the long-term expenses associated with dry eye treatment - an average of $800 per year. If you're dealing with blepharitis, opting for BlephEx® not only saves you from spending hundreds on artificial tears, cyclosporines, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories. It allows you to experience the benefits of an efficacious treatment for the first time.
BlephEx® — Nurturing Lifelong Eyelid Health in Sugar Land
Blepharitis, often referred to as the precursor to various eyelid conditions, is responsible for a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms span from persistent itching, a perpetual urge to rub the eyes, vision obscured by a filmy layer, fluctuating vision, and redness, all the way to severe dry eye disease.
You might be among the millions seeking relief if you're experiencing symptoms like tiredness, itchiness, burning sensations, or dry eyes.
Make an appointment with Dry Eye and Wellness in Sugar Land to experience the BlephEx® difference. A lifetime of healthy eyelids awaits!