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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
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Never Neglect Your Lashes: the Onset of Blepharitis

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What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the eyelids. The cause of Blepharitis is an excess of the bacteria that commonly lives along the lid and base of our eyelashes. It is a condition that can be developed by anyone at any point in their lives. However, the onset of this condition more commonly appears with age as our bodies make fewer antibodies in our tears. 

A biofilm is produced when there is excess production of bacteria, trapping debris along our eyelashes, which in turn releases bacterial exotoxins along the lid margin. As a result, the exotoxins penetrate the eyelid tissue and cause inflammation along the eyelid, ultimately decreasing tear production. With a reduction in the tear film, more bacteria collects and manifests, leading to chronic irritation and dry eye. 

There are four stages to Blepharitis. In the first stage, the lid margin is inflamed with very little or no debris visible.The second stage symptoms consist of inflammation, mild debris and swelling along the lash follicle.The third stage shows an increase in inflammation with moderate debris, swelling of the lash follicle, and early stage of lash misdirection. The final and last stage has inflammation with heavy debris, swelling of the lash follicle, lash misdirection, and ingrown lashes. 

To combat this neglected eye care concern, BlephEx™ is highly recommended as the most effective solution for Blepharitis. The deep clean gently exfoliates your lashes and eyelids with instantly noticeable reduction in symptoms. By removing the exotoxin-laden biofilm along your lid margin, you are preventing long-term inflammatory damage to your tear glands and a reduction in dry eyes. 

The BlephEx™ procedure is done in our very own clinic by your trusted Optometrists. The procedure is painless with little to no downtime required. A BlephEx™ handpiece is used carefully along your lash line and eyelids, removing all the excess scurf and debris while simultaneously exfoliating your eyelids. The micro-sponge used in this procedure is disposable and a new one will be used for each eyelid to prevent the spread of bacteria from one eye to the other. To ensure you are comfortable during the procedure, a numbing drop is placed in each eye prior to treatment. You may experience a tickling sensation as the exfoliation occurs. We ask you to reserve 30 minutes of time for the entire process.  

Once the procedure is complete, our eye doctors will recommend maintenance treatment accordingly. This procedure is repeated every four to six months for effectiveness. 

 

Progressive Stages of Blepharitis

Stage 1 Inflammation of lid margin with minimal to no scurf

Stage 2 Inflammation with mild scurf, lash follicle swelling

Stage 3 Inflammation with moderate scurf, lash follicle swelling, early lash misdirection

Stage 4 Inflammation with heavy scurf, lash follicle swelling, lash misdirection and ingrown lashes

BlephEx™ is the best spa treatment for your eyes. Come experience relief!

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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.
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