Over time, a layer of bacteria and dead skin cells called a biofilm builds up on the eyelid margin. This biofilm is sticky and hard to remove with standard home hygiene. BlephEx is an in-office procedure designed to physically scrub this away.
The Concept
The procedure is analogous to a dentist removing plaque and tartar. You brush your teeth daily (home hygiene), but you still need a professional cleaning to remove hardened debris. BlephEx acts as that professional cleaning for your eyelids.
The Procedure
- Numbing: Numbing drops are applied to the eye to ensure comfort.
- The Device: The doctor uses a handheld device with a medical-grade micro-sponge that spins at high speed.
- The Cleaning: The spinning sponge is guided along the edge of your eyelids and eyelashes, physically exfoliating the skin and removing scurf, crusts, and biofilm.
- Duration: The process takes about 6-8 minutes for all four eyelids.
Benefits
- Removal of Inflammatory Debris: By removing biofilm and debris, you reduce one source of lid-margin inflammation.
- Uncapping Glands: It helps physically clear the openings of the meibomian glands.
- Mite Reduction: Demodex-associated blepharitis may improve when lash debris is reduced, but mite eradication is not guaranteed and often needs a targeted regimen.
Most patients report a feeling of "freshness" and lighter eyelids immediately after the procedure. Repeat frequency varies. Some people need periodic treatment, while others do well with home hygiene alone; follow clinician advice.
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