How we can help with blepharitis. 

What is blepharitis? 

Blepharitis is a common condition where the edges of the eyelids (eyelid margins) become red and swollen (inflamed).

Blepharitis can develop at any age, and symptoms can include:

  • itchy, sore and red eyelids that stick together

  • crusty or greasy eyelashes 

  • a burning, gritty sensation in your eyes 

  • increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) 

  • swollen eyelid margins 

  • finding contact lenses uncomfortable to wear 

  • abnormal eyelash growth or loss of eyelashes in severe cases 

In most cases both eyes are affected, but one eye can be more affected than the other. The symptoms tend to be worse in the morning.

 

What causes blepharitis?

There are two main types of blepharitis:

  • anterior blepharitis - where the inflammation affects the skin around the base of your eyelashes. 

  • posterior blepharitis - where the inflammation affects your meibomian glands, found along the eyelid margins behind the base of the eyelashes.

 
 

how can we treat Blepharitis?

1 Tea Tree Oil Cleaning.

We use diluted tea tree oils to scrub the base of the eye lashes when there is a demodex component apparent. (Do not do this at home as it can irritate the eye.)

2 BLEPHEX.

We are pleased to be able to offer a revolutionary treatment for belpharitis: BlephEx™

How BlephEx™ works.

BlephEx is a painless procedure performed by your optometrist. A revolutionary new patented BlephEx hand piece is used to, very precisely and carefully, spin a medical grade micro-sponge along the edge of your eyelids and lashes, removing scurf and debris and exfoliating your eyelids.

The patented micro-sponge is disposable and a clean one is used for each individual.

The procedure lasts about 6-8 minutes and is well tolerated. Most patients simply report a tickling sensation. A numbing drop is usually placed in each eye prior to treatment for increased comfort.

After the procedure, we will tell you how to maintain your clean eyelids with regular nightly lid hygiene. However, since home treatments are only semi-effective, the procedure is typically repeated at 4-6 month intervals.

Clear lids = Less Discomfort. 

Properly performed, BlephEx™ should reduce or alleviate the chronic and debilitating symptoms of belpharitis. Treatments are typically repeated at regular intervals depending on the severity of the disease.

By eliminating the inflammatory etiology of blepharitis, the overall health of the eyelid should improve. You should soon begin to produce more of your own tears and finally enjoy a life free from the chronic and irritating symptoms associated with blepharitis and its subsequent dry eye disease.

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HOW DO I BOOK IN FOR BLEPHEX treatment?

Please ring The Eyesmith for a special assessment with Mr. Leon Bouwer as to suitability, and to book in for this treatment.