Blepharitis is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the eyelid caused by an overgrowth of normal bacteria living along the lid and base of the lashes. This bacterial overgrowth leads to crusting along the eyelid and a sticky biofilm develops that can cause Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), or clogged oil glands in the eyelid, and dry eye disease.
Since the eyelids are difficult to clean, this biofilm can build up over many years and cause a variety of symptoms and chronic inflammation. Blepharitis can occur at any age, but the prevalence increases with age when we make fewer natural antibodies in our tears.
Constant eye irritation, foreign body sensation and chronic dry eye disease are the end results if left untreated. Using BlephEx, Dr. Jenifer Ramsower at Dry Eye Center of Florida, can directly clean your eyelids and eyelashes to remove the biofilm and bacterial toxins that cause inflammation and dry eye. This will improve your symptoms and help maintain a healthy eyelid.