Sign and Symptoms of Blepharitis

• Red Irritated Eyes
• Loss or Brittle Lashes
• Poor Contact Lens Wear
• Gritty Mattered Lashes
• Dry Eye Disease 
• Rubbing Eyes, Itchy Lids
• Rosacea

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eyes is a condition where the eyes (and its systems) do not make enough tears (or the wrong consistency of them) to help lubricate, protect, and nourish the eye. The constant inflammation of the eye results in patients complaining often of painful eyes, redness, irritation, and blurry vision. Vision becomes foggy and fluctuates. Good tears are required to help the function of the cornea (front clear part of the eye).

Did you know Dry Eye Disease can cause your prescriptions to swing 10-25%!

What Causes My Dry Eyes?

Many factors can all lead to Dry Eye Disease. Age, medications, hormone levels, diabetes, environment, computer use, contact lens wear, and other diseases such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, thyroid disease, or graves disease. As we age, our bodies generally produce less tears making it harder for us to keep a healthy tear film over and around our eyes. 

What Are My Options?

 While there is no known cure for dry eye disease we have many different options available to help with the comfort and health of your eyes. Our team works on a more holistic approach first before prescribing medications or other treatments. Below are links to information about some of our treatment options. Call us today or schedule online for a consult with Dr. Tahir.

• BlephEx - Hygiene

• Punctal Plugs

• Scleral Lens

• Vitamins

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• ​Blepharitis (bleph -lid and itis- inflammation) is a chronic eyelid disease causing overgrowth of normal bacteria living on the base of the lids and lashes. Oil, sweat, dirt, debris, eye infection, dry eyes, and plugged tear glands can all lead to having inflamed irritated lids. There are generally 3 types: bacterial based (most commonly caused by staph bacteria), seborrheic (caused by oily, greasy, dandruff-like particles), and meibomianitis (inflammation of the glands which produce the oil and mucus part in a healthy tear film).

  

  Sleeving of lashes is a direct sign of Demodex mites. Significant build up of Staph bacteria as well as broken and misdirected lashes can be seen. Patient was put on lid maintenance as well as other lid hygiene products and is doing great.

  What are Demodex Mites?

  What is the Demodex Mite?

  

  Microscopic - Up to 1300 live per lid!

  Did you know: Demodex has been linked to:
  
  - Rosacea in humans
  - Mange in cats and dogs
  - Causes breakdown of the lid line
  - Loss of eyelashes
  - Destruction of the glands which produce good tears

  A tiny microscopic mite which lives on the lashes and lid margins and dines on biofilm (dead skin cells, mucus, oil, etc.) and staph bacteria . It causes many conditions of constant irritation, redness, and itchy eyelids.

  

  While there are good medications indicated for Dry Eye Disease, nothing can beat natural healing if possible. Healing begins with clean healthy lids, proper tear film, and routine maintenance.  Our office recommends BlephEx as a first line agent for all Dry Eye Patients. BlephEx helps to quickly and effectively remove dirt, debris, bacteria, and bioflim along the lid margin and lashes. 

  Lid Hygine

  After washing your hands and face with warm to hot water (or better yet while in the shower), place 1-2   
  pumps of foam on a clean wash cloth.  

  1. With eyes closed, scrub each lid using side-to-side motion for 15 seconds. 
  2. Be careful not to rub your eye directly as you may scratch the surface.
  3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
  4. Repeat 2x daily for the first week then 1x daily or as directed by Dr. Tahir.
  5. Call or text the office if you experience any complications.

              Note: Some people are allergic to Tea Tree or Camomile 

  

  After lid cleaning and patting dry, use 1 pump of spray on each eye lid.

  1. Keep eyes closed when using spray.
  2. With your finger gently rub in the spray onto the eye lid margins and let dry.
  3. Use 2x per day.
     Note: Full effect 28-Day– afterwards potency decreases
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  What are Punctal plugs?
  Are you tired of constantly dealing with dry, itchy, and irritated eyes? Discover the game-changer in dry eye treatment – Punctal Plugs! These small, comfortable devices can revolutionize your eye comfort and restore the moisture balance your eyes need.
  
  How Does it Work
  A small self dissolving plug (usually 6 months) is placed in the puncta, the small drain located in the upper and lower eye lid corners.
  This procedure presents minimal risk and generally zero discomfort. They plugs are placed in the office under mild anesthetic and take about 5 min to do. The best way we describe this procedure is putting a "plug in the sink." While the water continues to flow out of the faucet the sink drains much slower giving your eye time to absorb your natural tears. 
  
  Fast Relief:
  Punctal plugs offer rapid relief from the discomfort of dry eyes. By blocking the tear ducts' drainage, these tiny plugs help retain natural tears on the surface of your eyes, providing continuous lubrication throughout the day.
  
  Non-Invasive: Say goodbye to complex procedures or invasive surgeries! Punctal plug insertion is a quick and painless process that can be performed in the comfort of our office. You'll experience minimal downtime and immediate relief, allowing you to resume your daily activities without disruption.
  
  Cost-Effective:
  Punctal plugs offer a cost-effective solution to managing dry eye symptoms. With their durability, you can enjoy the benefits of improved tear retention for an extended period, minimizing the need for constant eye drops or other temporary remedies.
  
  Dr. Tahir has been inserting and using puctal plugs for over 21 years. He feels they are a great alternative to other dry eye treatments as they office a natural remedy and low maintenance.
  
  Insurance 
  Punctal plugs are able to be sent to major medical insurances.
  
  Questions?
  Just give us a call or text! 
  
  
• How Do  Scleral Lenses Help?

  ​Scleral lenses are special, larger contact lenses that gently sit on the white part of your eye instead of the cornea. They hold a layer of soothing moisture between the lens and your eye, keeping it hydrated and comfortable all day. For people with dry eyes, these lenses can bring relief, clearer vision, and long-lasting comfort that regular contacts just can’t provide.

  Prokera Bandage Lens

  ​​A biologic amniotic tissue corneal bandage is a special, natural membrane placed on the surface of your eye to help it heal. Think of it as a “healing bandage” for the cornea. It reduces inflammation, soothes pain, and speeds up recovery for conditions like persistent dry eye, corneal injuries, or after surgery. This gentle treatment helps protect your eye while promoting faster, healthier healing.

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