Blepharitis is a common eye condition which can be frustrating to treat. BlephEx is an increasingly popular and effective treatment for blepharitis.
Blepharitis is a relatively common chronic disease which can cause eyelid inflammation. BlephEx is an increasingly popular and effective treatment for this condition. However, it’s always helpful to learn more about a treatment ahead of time. Below is a brief overview.
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.
While there are several noticeable symptoms of blepharitis, it should be noted that many of these are symptoms which can result from other conditions. For that reason, if you experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to see a doctor, so the cause can be properly diagnosed.
Symptoms of Blepharitis include:
BlephEx is specifically designed to treat blepharitis through cleaning and exfoliating the eyelids and eyelashes safely through the use of a specially designed micro sponge. The procedure generally lasts 8 minutes and involves minimal discomfort. Additionally, in order to make it as comfortable as possible, the doctor generally places a numbing drop in each eye.
The most important thing the BlephEx procedure does is removing the exo-toxin filled bio-film layer from along the margin of the eyelid. This helps prevent damage to the tear glands from inflammation, and reduces the likelihood of dry eye syndrome developing.
BlephEx treatment is particularly helpful for older patients who suffer from blepharitis and dry eye symptoms, though it is very helpful 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.
Our general recommendation is to schedule a BlephEx treatment every six months to make sure that the eyelids remain as clean as possible.
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. 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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