Blepharitis and Dry Eye Treatment
Are You Bothered By Dry Eyes Or Blepharitis?
Blephasteam Goggles
The most common form of blepharitis is caused by small oil glands on the eyelid becoming clogged. Dry eye is a debilitating condition that occurs when the eyes either don’t produce enough tears, or those they do produce evaporate too quickly.
Tears are formed of three layers, one of which is oily. In about a third of cases, dry eye is caused by dysfunctional meibomian glands, whose job it is to secrete oils. These oils become too thick and waxy. However, when this remaining wax layer melts, the eye is better lubricated.
Dry Eye Treatment
For patients at our Auckland optometrists who suffer from these chronic conditions we have recently purchased Blephasteam Goggles, as they have proven to be a very effective treatment. These electric goggles relieve the symptoms of dry eyes to great effect.
The goggles deliver steam directly into the eyes, melting the waxy oil. Multiple studies have shown that to treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the glands need to be warmed up to a temperature in which the oil secretion blocking the glands melts from a solid to a liquid state. The ideal temperature is normally just above 40 degrees.
Blephasteam Goggles are made from medical-grade rubber and look a bit like swimming goggles. Disposable paper rings soaked in water are placed inside the electric goggles and heat makes the paper rings produce steam, melting the waxy oils in the eyes. These wet rings are thrown away after each session, ensuring optimal efficacy and hygiene for your eyes.
Dry Eye and Blepharitis Relief
Blephasteam googles may provide a viable solution for dry eye sufferers. The traditional approach to dealing with blepharitis or dry eye has always been moist, warm compresses, good eyelid hygiene and warm massage. However, this long-term, perhaps life-long, treatment does present a challenge for sufferers in terms of consistency and complexity.
Eyelid-warming devices, like Blephasteam googles, deliver a consistent, warm temperature to thin the oil that has blocked the gland openings, and melt the hardened meibum. Studies have shown they reduce discomfort and are safe, hygienic and easy to use.
We see Blephasteam goggles as a promising alternative for blepharitis and dry eye treatment.
Blephasteam sessions take about 30 minutes. It takes about 10 minutes to heat up the goggles and then clients wear them for another 10 minutes. Because of the low heat, the amount of moisture produced by the goggles doesn’t steam up the lenses so users can read, watch television or use a computer while wearing them. After the session our optometrist will manually clean the eyelid margins and then express the glands.
We recommend initial sessions once a week for 4 weeks, and then as required.
Want to know more? Do you think you may be suffering from blepharitis or dry eye? Don’t suffer unnecessarily. Call 09 522 1283 to speak to our Newmarket optometrists. To speak to an optometrist in Henderson call 09 836 1731.
Our Auckland optometrists specialise in the diagnosis and management of dry eye and blepharitis. Between our Henderson Optometry practice and our optometrists in Newmarket our staff has dedicated over 35 years’ helping dry eye patients enjoy more comfortable lives. If you are suffering from dry eye or blepharitis symptoms, please schedule a consultation today with any of our qualified optometrists for a comprehensive eye examination. We take your eye care seriously.
We deliver peace of mind about the way you see the world, your sight.
We offer high quality eye care, dry eye treatment and friendly service at our optometry practices in Newmarket and Henderson. For your convenience both stores are open 6 days a week.