Chronic Eye Inflammation
THE PROBLEM: There are several conditions that cause the eyes
to feel terrible chronically. Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) is one of
the primary issues. Eyelid mites (demodex) are one cause of blepharitis.
These are likely one of the main reasons we begin to see collarettes
around each lash and some lash loss with age. The BEFORE photos
show these collarettes.
Another cause of blepharitis is the natural bacteria that live in the lash area. They grow well here and begin to form a bacterial biofilm that gets progressively thicker over decades. As this mat advances it blocks the lid oil glands (called meibomian glands) that are in a row behind the lashes which then contributes to dry, irritated, eyes. Over time, the mat begins to permanently damage the lid margin structure and the oil glands as well. The oil glands become blocked and do not secrete oil to cover the tears leading to quick evaporation and/or tears falling down onto the cheeks.
The following pictures show these glands as they progress
from normal to totally blocked. Dry eye symptoms become
much worse and are possibly irreversible at this time.
THE PROBLEM: There are several conditions that cause the eyes
to feel terrible chronically. Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) is one of
the primary issues. Eyelid mites (demodex) are one cause of blepharitis.
These are likely one of the main reasons we begin to see collarettes
around each lash and some lash loss with age. The BEFORE photos
show these collarettes.
Another cause of blepharitis is the natural bacteria that live in the lash area. They grow well here and begin to form a bacterial biofilm that gets progressively thicker over decades. As this mat advances it blocks the lid oil glands (called meibomian glands) that are in a row behind the lashes which then contributes to dry, irritated, eyes. Over time, the mat begins to permanently damage the lid margin structure and the oil glands as well. The oil glands become blocked and do not secrete oil to cover the tears leading to quick evaporation and/or tears falling down onto the cheeks.
The following pictures show these glands as they progress
from normal to totally blocked. Dry eye symptoms become
much worse and are possibly irreversible at this time.
It is almost impossible to clean this area well enough with home remedies because it is covered up when the eyes are closed and the area must be cleansed vigorously to have any effect. One of the most effective home cleansers is Blephedex foam but it still has limited effect.
THE BEST NEW SOLUTIONS: Fortunately, there are now effective tools that can be used in the doctor’s office to greatly reduce this biofilm, and even unblock the meibomian glands. Once these are opened, they again secrete oil to cover the tears and help the eye to stay less dry and irritated. With the reduction in the bacterial biofilm and lash mites, inflammation is reduced, and the eyes can feel and function much better with less redness and burning too.
BLEPHEX This new device is used in office to gently remove the biofilm and clean the lashes. It takes about 10 minutes and only requires a topical anesthetic. The eye will feel slightly irritated for a day then begins to feel much better in most cases. This is done about once a year and is similar in need and effect to teeth cleaning for better health.
THE BEST NEW SOLUTIONS: Fortunately, there are now effective tools that can be used in the doctor’s office to greatly reduce this biofilm, and even unblock the meibomian glands. Once these are opened, they again secrete oil to cover the tears and help the eye to stay less dry and irritated. With the reduction in the bacterial biofilm and lash mites, inflammation is reduced, and the eyes can feel and function much better with less redness and burning too.
BLEPHEX This new device is used in office to gently remove the biofilm and clean the lashes. It takes about 10 minutes and only requires a topical anesthetic. The eye will feel slightly irritated for a day then begins to feel much better in most cases. This is done about once a year and is similar in need and effect to teeth cleaning for better health.
iLux This revolutionary device warms the lid to a precise temperature that melts the waxy oil gland buildup. Then it applies the right amount of pressure to remove the bacteria laden blockage and allow fresh oil to flow. It only takes about 20 minutes. There may be an increase in dry eye symptoms for a few days, then once the new oil begins to flow there should be a significant reduction in those symptoms for some time - maybe for as long as a year. Some patients can discontinue expensive prescription Rx eye drops.
DO YOUR EYES FEEL UNHAPPY?
Ask us about these great procedures.
Call today to schedule!
DO YOUR EYES FEEL UNHAPPY?
Ask us about these great procedures.
Call today to schedule!