BlephEx for Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common eye condition that can be quite challenging to treat. Our experienced optometrist Dr. Heather McBryar often recommends BlephEx, an increasingly popular and effective treatment for blepharitis.

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Blepharitis is a relatively widespread chronic disease causing eyelid inflammation. The effective treatment of this condition has been revolutionized by BlephEx. However, consulting our eye care professional for more information about a treatment is always beneficial.

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common chronic condition which causes eyelid inflammation. The condition, and the resulting inflammation, is caused by overgrowth of bacteria which live on the eyelid and at the base of eyelashes. Blepharitis can occur at any age, but it is more common as people age, due to the fact that there are less antibodies contained within the tears as people age.

The overgrowth of bacteria creates a biofilm on the eyelid and along the eyelashes which traps dust and other particles, and hosts bacterial exo-toxins. These toxins cause inflammation, and negatively affects the tear glands, leading to a reduction of tears produced. The longer this goes on, this escalates and the condition worsens, with fewer tears and fewer antibodies produced. More bacteria will then build up, leading to chronic irritation and dry eye.

The inflammation caused by these exo-toxins can lead to serious damage to both the eyelids and tear glands over time, if the condition is left untreated.

Blepharitis Symptoms

While there are several noticeable symptoms of blepharitis, many of these symptoms can also arise from other conditions. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to make an appointment with our eye doctor to ensure proper diagnosis.

Symptoms of Blepharitis include:

Dry eyes
Itchy or scratchy eye
Feeling a need to rub your eyes
Tearing
Redness/inflammation
Mattering
Crusting
A foreign body sensation around the eyes

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call us at (423) 710 3965 to schedule an evaluation.

BlephEx as a Treatment for Blepharitis

Specifically designed to treat blepharitis, BlephEx cleans and exfoliates the eyelids and eyelashes safely using a specially designed micro sponge. The procedure is generally quick, lasting only about 8 minutes, and involves minimal discomfort. To ensure maximum comfort, the eye doctor typically places a numbing drop in each eye before the treatment.

The most crucial aspect of the BlephEx procedure is its ability to remove the exo-toxin-filled bio-film layer from the margin of the eyelid. This prevents damage to the tear glands from inflammation and reduces the likelihood of developing dry eye syndrome.

Who Can Benefit From BlephEx Treatment?

BlephEx treatment is particularly beneficial for older patients who suffer from blepharitis and dry eye symptoms. However, it is effective for any patients with blepharitis, regardless of age. BlephEx directly treats the eyelids, leading to improved tear quality and production, and then a significant reduction in symptoms. In many cases, comfort levels can improve almost immediately after the procedure.

How Often is Treatment Needed?

Our general recommendation at is to schedule a BlephEx treatment every six months to ensure that the eyelids remain as clean as possible.

Common Questions

Is blepharitis caused by mites?

Yes, mites can cause blepharitis. Blepharitis is inflammation of your eyelids, which can then result in swelling, redness, itchiness and irritation of the eyes. If someone has poor eyelid hygiene, this can block the oil glands on the eyelid margin resulting in an inflammatory response causing blepharitis and dry eyes. Demodex is a mite that can be found on the eyelids and lashes. These mites eat dead skin cells, lay eggs and expel waste products in your eyelid glands and eyelash follicles. A small amount of mites naturally can be found on our skin to remove dead skin cells, and typically do not cause any harm or symptoms. But if you don’t have proper lid hygiene these mites can reproduce in large numbers, and can block the oil glands at the bases of the eyelashes causing blepharitis.

My eyes are frequently overly watery, what is causing it?

Normally we have tear ducts located in the inner corners of our eyes that help to drain our tears out of the eye into the nose; but if your tear drainage system is blocked (lacrimal stenosis) and/or not functioning properly it may cause overly watery eyes (epiphora). Additionally, if you’re experiencing excessive tearing, this may sound counter-intuitive, but it may mean that your eyes are dry. When our eyes are dry, they feel irritated and uncomfortable, which stimulates the lacrimal gland to produce so many tears that this then overwhelms the eye’s natural drainage system, causing our tears to roll down our face instead of through our tear ducts. Allergies, and irritants can also cause excessive tearing. Infections can also cause overly watery eyes because part of your body’s response to an eye infection is to produce excess tears in order to keep the eye lubricated and wash away any germs or discharge.

Is there a permanent cure for blepharitis?

There is no cure for blepharitis; however, it can be treated and controlled by maintaining proper eyelid hygiene. In the absence of treatment, blepharitis can develop into more serious eye conditions, such as corneal problems, which can have significant consequences. BlephEx is one of the treatment options used for blepharitis. An optometrist performs BlephEx in-office to alleviate the symptoms of blepharitis, which is an altogether painless procedure. Similar to dental cleanings, BlephEx is recommended twice a year or even more frequently in severe cases. Since each individual's condition is different it is best to discuss treatment options and a preventative plan with our eye doctor during a dry eye evaluation.

Summary

BlephEx is a treatment proven to be effective at helping patients suffering from blepharitis for extended periods of time, and the procedure itself is quick and not uncomfortable. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley. If you are interested in BlephEx as a treatment for your blepharitis and want more information or to schedule an appointment with us at Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga, contact us today.

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Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!