BlephEx represents a breakthrough in the treatment of Dry Eye and Blepharitis
The eyes are the windows that one uses to gaze upon the world. However, there are a myriad of afflictions that can impact the eyes, not to mention the issue of just aging. A lot of individuals suffer from various eye problems, such as cataracts and dry eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that 24.4 million Americans over the age of 39 have cataracts and that 3.2 million women and 1.5 million men over the age of 49 suffer from dry eyes. (1) Experienced oculofacial plastic surgeons, such as Dr. John R. Burroughs of Colorado Springs, know that one of the most common problems affecting the eye area is dry eyes and blepharitis.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that is caused by a buildup of bacteria and oily flakes at the base of one’s eyelashes. Every person has bacteria located at the base of their eyelashes, but Dry Eye/Blepharitis Syndrome (DEBS) occurs when there is an overgrowth of this bacteria. This overgrowth occurs when the bacterial population reaches a certain point, at which the bacteria begins to produce toxins that have a negative impact upon the quality and quantity of tears produced. This biofilm buildup then causes a vicious cycle to begin due to the fact that healthy tears are needed to wash away debris and bacteria. Without such tears, the situation only deteriorates. Oculoplastic surgeons, such as Dr. John R. Burroughs (Springs Aesthetics) of Colorado Springs, know that blepharitis can impact the inside or outer portions of the eyelids. Blepharitis is classified into two major types: anterior blepharitis (the front edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes attach) and posterior blepharitis (the inner edge of the eyelid that is at the eyelid margin and the areas touching the eye). (2)
Blepharitis is a painful and chronic condition that can worsen over time if left untreated. Aesthetic plastic surgeons, such as Dr. John R. Burroughs of Colorado Springs, regularly see patients with blepharitis suffering effects such as itchy eyelids, sensitivity to light, red and swollen eyelids, watery eyes, burning sensation in the eyes, flaky or scaly skin, and crusting of mucus around the eyes. Blepharitis is very common. A study in 2009 showed that ophthalmologists noted that 37% of their patients had the condition and that optometrists reported that 47% of their patients were suffering from it as well. (3) Not only does the occurrence of blepharitis lead to chronic eye discomfort, but there are other negative consequences as well. A study published in 2013 showed that individuals with blepharitis had significantly higher risk of anxiety and depression. (4) DEBS patients can also suffer painful corneal ulcers that can cause scarring of their corneas and difficult to eradicate red, swollen eyes.
While there is no cure for blepharitis, there are treatment options. Experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon specialists, such as Dr. John R. Burroughs (Springs Aesthetics) of Colorado Springs, had long been resigned to offering treatments such as warm compresses, antibiotics, eye drops, specialized lid scrubs (Avenova and Ocusoft) and improved hygiene for the affected areas. However, a new treatment option, BlephEx, has arrived and is offering an exciting, innovative method for treating blepharitis and keeping the condition under control with regular treatments. BlephEx is a procedure that uses a patented handpiece, under the supervision of a medical professional, that uses a medical grade micro-sponge to carefully and precisely spin along the edge of the eyelids and lashes, which exfoliates the eyelids and removes the troublesome debris and bacteria. BlephEx is the first and only doctor procedural treatment for dry eye and blepharitis as it actually removes the causes of the inflammation. This new treatment option only takes a few minutes to complete and is relatively pain-free.
Dr. John R. Burroughs of Colorado Springs notes, “Many of the patients that I see on a daily basis suffer from dry eyes and blepharitis as these two conditions commonly occur together and at a very high concentration in the dry, arid climate of Colorado. The sad reality is that there is no cure for Dry Eye/Blepharitis Syndrome (DEBS), and our treatments were not able to actually impact the root causes. However, this has dramatically changed with the introduction of BlephEx to the market. This new and innovative technology allows me to fight blepharitis directly by using the handpiece to remove the bacteria and biofilm buildup along the eyelids and eyelashes that are the root of the problem. In addition to bacteria, many patients acquire Demodex (a mite) infestations of their eyelashes and lid margin further contributing to their dry eye and blepharitis problems. Traditionally this mite infestation has been very difficult to completely treat requiring specialized lid scrubs that could take months to improve. Because BlephEx utilizes a specialized soap that is effective for the bacteria as well as the mites, through its mechanical cleaning and debridement of the biofilm buildup, allows a more thorough approach that lasts for up to 6 months.
BlephEx allows me to ensure that my patients no longer have to suffer the effects of DEBS ever again as long as they have regular treatments every four to six months, and these treatments only take six to eight minutes to complete. My patients are ecstatic knowing that only a combined thirty minutes of treatment per year means the suffering effects from blepharitis and dry eyes are greatly reduced. Of course, those who have suffered from DEBS for some time may require a few treatments to see an effect. BlephEx is a godsend for wearers of contact lenses as they are ten times more likely to suffer inflammatory damage to their tear glands. The condition known as Contact Lens Intolerance, in which the eye begins to reject the wearing of contact lens, can be avoided by having a BlephEx procedure done every six months. Overall, we now have a proven treatment method that targets the causes of DEBS and helps ensure its remission through regular treatments.” (5)
In the past, aesthetic plastic surgeons, such as Dr. John R. Burroughs (Springs Aesthetics) of Colorado Springs, could only offer minimal treatments for blepharitis and dry eyes. Now the tide has turned as medical professionals can now offer their patients the new BlephEx procedure, which removes the buildup of bacteria and biofilm that causes the inflammation in the first place. While BlephEx does not cure DEBS, it does ensure that the effects are kept at bay through regular treatments that only take a few minutes. Though the BlephEx treatments are not covered by insurance, it is reasonably priced and can reduce, if not eliminate, the expensive need for over-the-counter and prescribed antibiotics and lubrication drops. Our eyes are precious jewels, and need to be taken care and BlephEx offers an novel and very effective new means of ocular health maintenance and protection. Just as a thorough 6-12 month professional dental teeth cleaning is essential for oral health, BlephEx is becoming an essential eyelid cleaning for patients suffering from DEBS. Additionally, as an aesthetic eyelid and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Burroughs reminds his patients that the eyes are the central focus of one’s appearance when talking to others. Having bright healthy appearing eyes without chronic redness and eyelid inflammation is a part of having beautiful as well as healthy aeyes.
References:
1) https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics
3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19383269
4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3875469/
5) Quote from Dr. John R. Burroughs, Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon in Colorado Springs