Gone are the days when a simple eyedrop could soothe all our itchy eye woes. An alarming 80+ million Americans grapple with blepharitis. This persistent eyelid inflammation leads to relentless itching, unwelcome redness, and bothersome swelling.
Bacteria buildup often gets the blame for triggering blepharitis, blocking the vital oil glands in the eyelid.
Termed as meibomian gland dysfunction, this ailment strikes when there’s an oil (meibum) deficiency, poor oil quality, or the aforementioned blockage of oil glands.
The medical community agrees there’s no full-proof cure. However, patients can mitigate the symptoms using warm compresses to dissolve the crusty accumulation and dispel the oily debris. Eyelid hygiene is paramount, yet the itch often makes a comeback, triggering the endless loop of rubbing and scratching.
But there’s a silver lining. Cutting-edge science presents an innovative, enduring solution.
The centerpiece of this revolution? A heat therapy apparatus, resembling goggles, enveloping the patient’s eyes. The in-clinic OCuSOFT Thermal 1-Touch device unleashes roughly 20 minutes of intense heat paired with a soothing massage on the eyes.
This treatment delivers consistent, pinpointed heat to both upper and lower eyelids, subsequently applying a soft pressure to eradicate the bacterial layer and free up the lipids – the fatty obstructions on the eyelid’s underside.
This therapy doesn’t stop there. It invigorates blood circulation and augments tear generation.
For patients, it’s a serene experience. They relax in a reclining seat within a dim space, enjoying music via a headset as the digital heat gadget, with adjustable temperature settings, works its magic.
Dr. Rajesh Khanna, a renowned ophthalmologist practicing at Westlake Village’s Village Center Road, explains the technique:
“The Digi-Lens heater demands pre-cleaning of the eyelids using OCuSOFT Lid Scrub plus Swabstix. Post the heat and moisture application to the meibomian gland, we employ a Mastrota paddle for a gentle eyelid massage to dispel debris and accumulated oil. To conclude, we cleanse with the Lid Scrub PLUS Swabstix,” shared Dr. Khanna.
Given the rampant occurrence of dry eye maladies, notably in sun-drenched Southern California, the demand for durable treatments is undeniable. “This in-clinic thermal therapy is revolutionary for persistent dry eyes. It’s superior to home-based face masks and offers a cost-effective alternative to pricier options,” opined Khanna.
Dr. Khanna emphasizes continuous eyelid cleanliness to ward off blepharitis flare-ups. He recommends the OCuSOFT eyewear therapy bi-annually for best results, coupled with daily eyelid cleansing using diluted baby shampoo. Dr. Khanna can be reached for further insights at (805) 230-2126 or visit khannainstitute.com.