KISSIMMEE, Fla., July 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eye Care Specialists of Florida released information on a treatment for dry eye and blepharitis, BlephEx. This treatment is done in the eye doctor's office to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the eyelid irritation that can cause dry eye and other issues. It removes external bacteria, mites, debris, and other matter that is irritating to tear glands and which, over time, can damage them enough to cause dry eye to become chronic.
Eyelid irritation isn't just annoying. It harms the eyelashes, tear glands, and related eye structures. Over time, this causes dry eye. If left untreated, dry eye can become permanent. Blepharitis can also cause contact lens intolerance, sties, and other eyelid-related problems. BlephEx is a treatment to stop the irritation and allow the inflamed eyelids to recover.
"The BlephEx treatment goes far beyond standard medicated wipes to clean bacteria, debris, exotoxins, and other irritants from the eyelashes, their roots, and the surrounding areas. This is done in the office by using a special sponge and medicated soap to wash the ends of the eyelids. It is far more effective than home washing procedures because numbing eye drops are used to stop any negative sensations from touching the precise area and to temporarily block the blink reflex," explained Dr. Saira A. Choudhri of Eye Care Specialists of Florida .
The reason special treatments are needed to fully treat the cause of blepharitis is that the area is hard or impossible to properly wash at home. When the face is washed, the eyelids are closed and therefore the relevant area is protected from the soapy water. This is why bacteria and mites can build up until the toxins they produce irritate the tear glands. Trying to wash with the eyes open won't help because regular soaps greatly irritate the eye itself. People also blink when foreign objects, like sponges, are felt at the margins of the eye.
BlephEx, however, can be applied directly to the ends of the eyelids because the eyes are numbed before the procedure takes place. Its cleansing agent is also specifically designed to not irritate the eye. Additionally, the treatment can be completed in less than ten minutes.
"We recommend that patients have this done every four to six months, and use special washing techniques every night between appointments. It works much like professional teeth cleaning versus daily brushing. The nightly washing helps control the growth of microbes, but the professional treatment is what brings full cleanliness," Dr. Choudhri said.
About Eye Care Specialists of Florida
This clinic offers full vision care services, including eye exams, corrective lens prescriptions, eye surgery, and more. It has a specialized dry eye center that offers multiple treatment options for the condition. Visit the Kissimmee ophthalmology website at http://eyecarespecialistsofflorida.com/ for more information.
Eye Care Specialists of Florida 1124 Cypress Glen Circle Kissimmee, FL 34741 (407) 483-0328
