BlephEx
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
BlephEx is a medical device used in the fields of ophthalmology and optometry to treat blepharitis and dry eye disease.[1] The handheld device is used by a doctor to exfoliate the eyelid[2] at the lash line and remove the inflammatory biofilm[3] that leads to chronic lid disease and discomfort.[4]
BlephEx was invented in 2012 by James Rynerson, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist, as the first patented, in-office procedure that allows eye care professionals to take an active role in removing years of accumulated biofilm, scurf and debris from the eyelids.[3] Since the lid margin is the only place on the body that never gets washed, the bacterial biofilm tends to accumulate over the years, getting worse as we age. Contact lens wearers are also prone to developing biofilms of the lid margin at a much earlier age due to the foreign body nature of the contact lens.
BlephEx purportedly removes years of accumulated biofilm, eliminating the source of inflammation which leads to healthier, more comfortable eyelids and an increase in natural tear production. Many patients are able to stop using artificial tears altogether. Two independent studies demonstrate a 60%-66% increase in tear break up time, which is an indicator of improved tear function.[5]