Blepharitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the eyelids caused by an overgrowth of normal bacteria living along the lid and the base of the eyelashes. In some cases, blepharitis may be linked with the presence of Demodex - a microscopic mite which lives in the base of the individual eyelashes.
Symptoms of blepharitis and Demodex infestation can range from subtle and mild to extreme causing lasting discomfort and potential damage to the eyelids. These conditions are very closely intertwined with other dry eye conditions, for more information please click here.
Our practice specializes in treating these conditions. Dr. Tolchin has been specially trained in diagnosing and treating the root causes of blepharitis using state-of-the-art technology and methods to give our patients the relief they deserve.
Do I Have Blepharitis? Do I Have a Demodex Infestation?
Both blepharitis and Demodex infestations are quite common and often associated with general dry eye. In fact, over 82 million people in the U.S. are affected!
Symptoms are often similar to those seen in dry eye and may include:
Demodex are microscopic, not visible to the naked eye, therefor it is only possible to definitively diagnose them using a special microscope at our office.
What Causes Blepharitis?
Though blepharitis is possible at any age, the prevalence increases with age. As we get older, the body produces fewer natural antibodies in the tears. This can lead to an overgrowth of normal bacteria along the outsides of the eyes. Since this area is difficult to properly clean the bacterial overgrowth can develop into a biofilm and scruf that builds up over the years. Bacteria flourish in this environment and eventually lead to chronic inflammation and irritating symptoms.
Blepharitis can be caused by dry eye (lack of tear flow to keep the lids clear) but can also lead to the development of dry eye disease (clogged glands, irritation, and inflammation). For more information on dry eye please click here.
Symptoms of blepharitis and Demodex infestation can range from subtle and mild to extreme causing lasting discomfort and potential damage to the eyelids. These conditions are very closely intertwined with other dry eye conditions, for more information please click here.
Our practice specializes in treating these conditions. Dr. Tolchin has been specially trained in diagnosing and treating the root causes of blepharitis using state-of-the-art technology and methods to give our patients the relief they deserve.
Do I Have Blepharitis? Do I Have a Demodex Infestation?
Both blepharitis and Demodex infestations are quite common and often associated with general dry eye. In fact, over 82 million people in the U.S. are affected!
Symptoms are often similar to those seen in dry eye and may include:
- Burning, itchy, scratchy, dry eyes
- Aching, fatigued, heavy , sore eyes - sometimes leading to excessive eye rubbing
- Sensitivity to light, blurred vision
- Redness, inflammation
- Excess tears, watery eyes
- Crusting, discharge, stringy mucus
- Foreign body sensation - feeling that there is something "in" your eye
- Styes are often caused by blepharitis
Demodex are microscopic, not visible to the naked eye, therefor it is only possible to definitively diagnose them using a special microscope at our office.
What Causes Blepharitis?
Though blepharitis is possible at any age, the prevalence increases with age. As we get older, the body produces fewer natural antibodies in the tears. This can lead to an overgrowth of normal bacteria along the outsides of the eyes. Since this area is difficult to properly clean the bacterial overgrowth can develop into a biofilm and scruf that builds up over the years. Bacteria flourish in this environment and eventually lead to chronic inflammation and irritating symptoms.
Blepharitis can be caused by dry eye (lack of tear flow to keep the lids clear) but can also lead to the development of dry eye disease (clogged glands, irritation, and inflammation). For more information on dry eye please click here.
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What Causes a Demodex Infestation?
There are two species of Demodex mites: Demodex brevis and Demodex folliculorum, the latter is most commonly found in the eyelashes. These mites live in various types of hair follicles all over the body and feed on dead skin cells to keep the follicles and hairs healthy. They are completely harmless and normal, in fact, everyone has some amount of these mites!
The presence of these mites only becomes problematic when there is an overgrowth or infestation. This can cause problems such as blepharitis or even other skin and hair-related issues, they may also worsen other preexisting conditions such as rosacea . Infestations in the eyelashes can lead to serious complications such as loss of eyelashes, severe dry eye, bacterial infections, and inflammation of the lids.
Though we all have them, these mites are contagious and may be spread between people and animals through close contact. Be sure not to share eye makeup and brushes, wash sheets regularly, and maintain good hygiene practices especially after handling animals.
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What Can I Do?
During every yearly comprehensive eye exam Dr. Tolchin will evaluate you for the presence and/or severity of both of these conditions. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms please call the office any time to set up a dry eye evaluation visit. Dr. Tolchin is able to assess your eye health and perform any necessary tests even if you are not due for a comprehensive eye exam. Please call the office with any questions, we are here for you!
Detailed below are the most effective procedures and treatments for handling blepharitis and Demodex infestations.
Microblepharo Exfoliation using BlephEx Technology®
Microblepharo Exfoliation using BlephEx Technology®
- The best way to treat blepharitis is to remove existing debris followed by maintenance to prevent the accumulation of new bacteria.
- Dr. Tolchin is able to treat blepharitis with a procedure called Microblepharo Exfoliation by carefully and precisely cleaning the eyelids with an exfoliation tool called BlephEx. This to remove the bacterial debris and buildup, it is a quick and painless in-office procedure.
- After treatment, Dr. Tolchin may prescribe various wipes, eye drops and/or supplements along with follow-up treatments at regular intervals to maintain the clean, healthy eye-environment.
- Demodex mites are treated with specialized cleansers and wipes following microblepharo exfoliation.