Blepharitis / Demodex
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common and chronic inflammation of the eyelids, typically affecting the part where the eyelashes grow. It's often caused by bacterial overgrowth on the skin, clogged oil glands, or other underlying conditions. Symptoms may include redness, itching, and irritation of the eyelids, as well as crusty debris at the base of the eyelashes. While it's not usually a serious condition, blepharitis can be uncomfortable and persistent, requiring proper eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, and sometimes medication for management.
Demodex
Demodex refers to tiny mites that naturally inhabit human skin, particularly the hair follicles and oil glands. The two main species that affect humans are Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. While these mites are generally harmless in moderate numbers, an overgrowth can lead to a condition called demodicosis, often associated with skin issues such as rosacea or certain types of blepharitis. Demodex mites feed on skin cells and oils and are most active during the night. Maintaining good skin hygiene and addressing underlying skin conditions are key in managing Demodex-related concerns.
Which Do You Have?
Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST) for Dry Eye
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement procedure using a natural okra-based gel. This quick and painless treatment provides immediate relief from irritation and dry eye symptoms.
ZEST works by gently exfoliating the eyelids to restore their natural state. By cleaning the eyelid margins and opening the meibomian glands, it helps release essential oils into the eye, maintaining a healthy tear film and alleviating dry eye symptoms.
Following the in-office treatment, we recommend gentle and effective home care routines to keep the eyelids free from bacteria. These treatments are anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.
Proper eye hygiene involves keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean. Accumulated dirt and debris on the eyelid edges can cause itching, burning, and gritty sensations in the eyes. With every blink, this debris can enter the tear film and coat the eye, resulting in redness and irritation.
Poor eye hygiene can result in the presence of Demodex mites in hair follicles. These mites can worsen inflammation by blocking the oil glands at the base of your eyelashes. ZEST is an effective treatment for eliminating Demodex mites, removing dirt and debris, and reducing inflammation.
ZEST stands for Zocular Eyelid System Treatment. This procedure focuses on thoroughly cleansing the eyelids. Known as an eyelid debridement procedure, it is a simple and painless process that exfoliates the eyelids and opens the meibomian glands. This allows essential oils to be released into the eye, promoting healthy tear production and alleviating dry eye symptoms.
The ZEST procedure uses Zocular’s okra-based solution to address the root cause of dry eye symptoms. The polysaccharides in okra are used in a specialized mixture to clean the eyelids, targeting oily residue, bacteria, and dirt that often cause itchy, dry eyes. After the ZEST treatment, your eye doctor can recommend ways to maintain eyelid cleanliness to prevent future dry eye problems.
