Do you suffer from dry, red, itchy, or gritty-feeling eyes? You may be experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome! Though several issues can cause this, one of the most common conditions that bring this on is known as blepharitis. What is this condition, what causes it, and how can our Shelburne eye care practice help? Let’s take a look!
Blepharitis and Demodex Mites
Blepharitis is a common yet often overlooked eye condition linked to dry eye syndrome, characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margins. This condition can stem from various causes, including bacterial infection and skin conditions like rosacea.
However, one of the most common causes of blepharitis is an infection by a certain type of microscopic parasite known as Demodex mites. These little mites thrive in the eyelash follicles and are quite common, even for people who are otherwise healthy. However, in some cases, an overabundance of Demodex mites can worsen blepharitis, leading to symptoms like redness, itching, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.
Treating blepharitis and Demodex infestations is crucial not only for comfort but also for maintaining good eye health. Untreated blepharitis can lead to more severe eye conditions, such as corneal damage or eyelid ulcers. The approach to managing this condition involves a combination of good eyelid hygiene, medications, and innovative in-office procedures.
BlephEx and ZEST Microblepharoexfoliation: Advanced Treatment for Blepharitis
One innovative solution in treating blepharitis and Demodex mites is BlephEx, a painless procedure that effectively cleans and exfoliates the eyelids. It removes the biofilm that mites thrive in, thus reducing inflammation and symptoms. This procedure is typically quick, taking only 6-8 minutes, and patients often report immediate relief from symptoms.
Another notable treatment is Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST) Microblepharoexfoliation. This advanced procedure targets the root cause of blepharitis and Demodex infestations. It involves gently exfoliating the eyelids and removing the scaly biofilm and mites, improving eyelid health and comfort.
Both treatments' non-invasive nature and immediate results make them an excellent choice for patients and eye care professionals. At Shelburne Primary EyeCare, we’re proud to offer both BlephEx and ZEST Microblepharoexfoliation treatments as part of our commitment to providing our patients with top-notch service daily.
To learn more about how Shelburne Primary EyeCare helps our patients with dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, Demodex mites, and more, book an appointment at our Shelburne eye clinic today!