Rawlings are pleased to offer deep lid hygiene (microblepharoexfoliation) treatments for blepharitis, which is a quick and painless procedure that can be performed in-practice by your eye care practitioner.

With this treatment the clinician thoroughly removes scurf and bacterial debris around the base of the lashes and eyelid margins, which are the main causes of inflammatory lid disease and blepharitis. This treatment can be thought of as the equivalent of seeing a dental hygienist where the plaque is removed from the base of the teeth. When tooth plaque builds up it can cause gum inflammation and gingivitis, when lid secretions build up it can cause blepharitis. Seeing a dental hygienist to have the plaque removed is routine for many people, and lid treatments can also be done routinely up to 4 times a year if required. This is usually symptom led, and patients can book in for repeat treatments as needed.

Lid hygiene treatment can also be used prior to eye surgery such as cataract removal as a one-off treatment to clean the lids of debris (which can harbour bacteria) and may help reduce the risk of infection following the surgery.

Common symptoms of blepharitis.

• Itching or scratchy eyes
• Foreign body sensation
• Tearing
• Crusting
• Redness/inflammation
• The build-up of bio-matter around the eyelashes
• Dry eyes
• Eye rubbing

Having lid hygiene treatments will reduce or alleviate these chronic and debilitating symptoms. The treatment is typically repeated at regular intervals depending on the severity of the disease. By eliminating the inflammatory cause of blepharitis, the overall health of the eyelid is improved. Patients can then begin to produce more of their own tears and enjoy a reduction in the chronic and irritating symptoms associated with blepharitis and associated dry eye disease.

How The Treatment Works

The equipment consists of a specialist brush (Nulids Pro) or foam tip (Blephex) to apply gentle antibacterial lid cleanser which is used precisely and carefully along the edge of your eyelids and lashes, removing scurf and debris and exfoliating the edges of your eyelids. The gentle stimulation of the oil-producing meibomian glands during the treatment can also aid better function.

A 20-30 minute appointment is required on the first treatment but the procedure itself only takes approximately 10 minutes and is well tolerated. Most patients simply report a tickling sensation.

After the procedure, the patient is instructed on how to maintain their clean eyelids with regular nightly lid hygiene. The procedure is typically repeated at 4-6 month intervals.

For more information or to book an appointment please contact your local branch of Rawlings Opticians.