Hodges Eye Care is now proud to offer BlephEx!
This amazing technology is used to treat Blepharitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the of the eyelids which is caused by an overgrowth of normal bacteria that live along the eyelid margins. Blepharitis is often the precursor to more severe eye lid diseases, such as Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye. Blepharitis can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, but generally becomes more prevalent as a person gets older since tears usually contain less antibodies with age. As this bacteria grows out of control, it begins to produce a biofilm that traps debris along the eyelashes. Bacterial toxins then become trapped and begin to penetrate the eyelid and cause it to swell, leading to possible damage to your tear glands and impacting tear production. Less tears with even less anitbodies allow this bacteria to continue to grow, creating a vicious cycle which quickly spirals out of control if not dealt with. The BlephEx tool works by spinning a medical grade grade micro-sponge along the eyelid surface, eliminating scruff, bacterial debris, and the biofilm that builds up along the lid and base of the eyelashes, removing bacteria and destroying the environment it thrives in. Very similar to how a dentist removes plaque and tartar to prevent and treat gingivitis, your eye doctor can now use BlephEx to remove the lid’s biofilm to prevent and treat blepharitis. With regular treatments, and intermittent at home maintenance, we finally have the ability to treat a previously unsuccessfully treated disease.
What are the Symptoms of blepharitis?
- Itching or scratchy eyes
- Foreign body sensation
- Tearing
- Crusting
- Redness/inflammation
- Mattering
- Dry Eyes
- Eye rubbing
Before BlephEx the traditional treatment was for the patients to scrub the eyelid margins with baby shampoo on a cotton swab or one of the commercially available lid care products squirted on a fingertip. This can be a difficult procedure to perform at home and has limited effectiveness.
Am I at risk of Blepharitis?
The risk of blepharitis increase as a patient ages. A study by Walter Reed Hospital determined that incidences of blepharitis is the U.S. steadily increase from 3% of 18-20 year olds to a staggering 71% of those over 65. That equates to more than 40 million individuals in the 65+ age group with the total number of patients with belparitis in the U.S. alone is over 82 million people. According to a study conducted in 2009, “most ophthalmologists and optometrists report that blepharitis is commonly seen in their practice in 37% and 47% of their patients, respectively, and it is widely agreed that the meibomian gland dysfunction caused by blepharitis is the most common cause of evaporative dry eye disease.”
Is BlephEx treatment covered by insurance?
While BlephEx is not currently covered by insurance, it is a very affordable procedure, especially when compared to the long-term costs of dry eye treatment. If you have blepharitis, you will not only save the hundreds of dollars spent on artificial tears, cyclosporines, antibotics and anti-inflammatories, but for the first time, will actually enjoy the benefits of an effective treatment.
For further information please feel free to visit the BlephEx website by going to the following link: www.rysurg.com