Three Ways To Remedy Dry Eyes in San Diego

In today's world, dry eyes are becoming increasingly common.  Anyone can be affected by it--but makeup, digital eye strain, contact lens wearers and age can all be factors in bringing on the symptoms.  However, being educated about blepharitis is the first step in preventing it!

With over 82 million people in the U.S. affected by blepharitis, also known as dry eye, it's important to take action to remedy this condition. 

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the eyelids caused by bacteria overgrowth living on the eyelashes and eyelid area.  This overgrowth causes crusting along the eyelid, scurf and biofilm which builds up over many years.  

This biofilm actually causes even more bacteria to thrive, causing an array of irritating symptoms and turns into chronic inflammation.  All the structures in the eye from tear glands to the eyelid are affected--the result:  dry eyes.  

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Ever feel like something is in your eyes?  Constantly red and irritated?  Chronically teary-eyed?  Itchy and crusting?  Any and all of these are dry eye or blepharitis symptoms.  

How do I know for sure I have blepharitis? 

Come in for your annual eye appointment or request a med visit and we'll be glad to do a dry eye test where we focus your eyes in a state-of-the-art machine ask you to blink once, twice then request that you keep your eyes open for as long as possible.  The machine will then rank your results using colors similar to stop lights on a street.  Green is good, yellow is questionable and red is undoubtedly a diagnosis of dry eyes.

How do we treat blepharitis?

At Midway Optometry, Dr. Michael Matthews uses a three-step treatment plan which includes medical grade omega supplements, a dry eye compress and the BlephEx treatment.  The BlephEx treatment is similar to having your teeth cleaned, but we actually use a tool to scrub your eyelids.  No need to worry, we start the procedure with two drops of eye numbing solution--you won't feel a thing! 

What are the results of the BlephEx Treatment?

Let's let our patients answer that question. 

One young lady, just after finishing the first eye proclaimed, "My eye feels so refreshed."

One older gentleman called two hours after his procedure and asked, "Is it my imagination, or do I see better, now?"  

What is the follow-up procedure? 

Michael Matthews OD will request a follow-up appointment anywhere from one to three months later, depending on the patient's condition.  During that appointment, the dry eye test will again be administered with a consultation which often results in lots of green rather than the previous red color on the screen. 

Come and see us! 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed, be sure to request an appointment for an eye exam or a med visit.