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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
587-353-5061 Book Appointment

A New Dry Eye Treatment Just in Time for Fall

blepharitis

At EyedeologyTM, we are now offering a new in-office treatment to eliminate Blepharitis. It will now be offered as a way of keeping those eyelids clean and healthy. It is a quick and easy procedure and most patients experience an almost immediate improvement in symptoms.

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What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common eye condition where the eyelids become inflamed (swollen), with oily particles and bacteria coating the eyelid margin near the base of the eyelashes. This condition causes irritation, itchiness, redness, and stinging or burning of the eyes. There is no specific cause of blepharitis, but it can be associated with a bacterial eye infection, symptoms of dry eyes or certain types of skin conditions such as acne rosacea.

There are different types of blepharitis conditions that can affect the eyelids:

1. Anterior Blepharitis- affects the outside of the eyelid where the eyelashes are attached. This type of blepharitis is sometimes caused by a bacterial (or viral) infection. If this is not treated, then it can lead to inflamed inward or outward turned eyelids as well vision problems from in-turned eyelashes damaging the cornea.

2. Posterior Blepharitis- this results from blocked up oil glands (meibomian glands) on the base of the eyelashes. When the meibomian glands become clogged from posterior blepharitis, it can cause a stye or chalazion to form. This form of blepharitis also causes thickened eyelid margins and crusty eyelids. Both anterior and posterior blepharitis can occur at the same time.

3. Rosacea Blepharitis- this type of blepharitis is associated with ocular rosacea. Acne rosacea is a skin condition that makes the skin appear red with pimples on the surface. This type of blepharitis causes swelling and redness of the eyelids due to the oily glands not fully functioning.

What are the symptoms of Blepharitis?

 The common symptoms are:

-crusting of the eyelids/eyelashes
-itchy or scratchy eyes
-redness/inflammation of the eyes
-dry eyes
-tearing
-eye and eyelid irritation
-eye rubbing

What causes Blepharitis to occur?

We all have bacteria on the surface of our skin, however in some people, bacteria accumulate in the skin at the base of the eyelashes. Large amounts of bacteria around the eyelashes can cause dandruff like scales and particles to form along the lashes and eyelid margins. Certain skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows), acne rosacea, allergic reactions to cosmetics or medications as well as eyelash mites (tiny organisms in the eyelash follicles) can cause blepharitis to occur.

How can I be examined for Blepharitis?

At EyedeologyTM, we do a full thorough eye examination on each patient. We will examine the eyelashes and eyelids on the slit lamp (microscope) and diagnose blepharitis based on our findings.

The newest treatment for blepharitis is an in-office procedure performed by our doctors at EyedeologyTM called BlephEx; BlephEx was developed by a board certified ophthalmologist. With BlephEx the doctor thoroughly and precisely eliminates the scruff and bacteria debris, the main cause of inflammatory lid disease. The traditional treatment was for the patient to scrub the eyelid margins with baby shampoo or commercially available lid care products. The BlephEx procedure is normally done in the clinic and only takes 5-10 minutes depending on the severity. BlephEx will reduce or alleviate chronic and debilitating symptoms. Treatments can be repeated every few months depending on the severity of the inflammation. Once the lids are clean, px’s can maintain and clean their lids at home. All patients are seen back at the clinic after 2 weeks to make sure they are happy with the treatment and evaluate their home lid scrub effectiveness. If demodex (eyelash mites) are suspected, then a second repeat treatment a week later should get rid of any hatchlings.

Research shows that almost 95% of patients will accept this procedure. The treatment is tolerated well; most patients experience a tickling sensation of the lids and lashes. Patients report an almost immediate relief from their symptoms. The overall health of the eyelid is improved by eliminating the inflammatory cause of blepharitis. Patients then start to produce more of their own tears and finally enjoy a life free from chronic and irritating symptoms associated with blepharitis and associated dry eye disease.

 Learn more about BlephEx Click Here to see their Youtube Channel! 

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
587-317-2134