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Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common eyelid inflammation that can develop at any age. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can be an effective treatment for blepharitis, including Demodex Blepharitis.

Blepharitis typically occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, leading to swollen, irritated, and red eyes. Several diseases and conditions can cause blepharitis, such as dry eyes, which, if not treated, can cause long-term damage to the cornea, the front of the eye.

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Demodex Blepharitis

Demodex Blepharitis (DB) is an eyelid disease caused by an infestation of Demodex mites, a common mite found on humans. It’s estimated that almost 25 million people in the US are affected by DB.

Symptoms of DB can easily be overlooked due to symptom similarities with other eye diseases. Common signs and symptoms of DB can include eyelid redness, crusty eyelids (collarettes), irritation, misdirected eyelashes, and inflammation.

When left untreated, DB can leave you more prone to other eye-related diseases. A few typical symptoms include:

  • Itchy, sore, and red eyelids that stick together
  • Crusty or greasy eyelashes
  • Burning, gritty sensation in your eyes
  • Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Swollen eyelid margins
  • Wearing contact lenses becomes unbearable
  • Abnormal eyelash growth or loss of eyelashes in severe cases

Demodex Life Cycle

The life cycle of a Demodex mite, also known as an eyelash mite, lasts approximately 2 weeks (14-21 days) and involves several stages, starting from an egg that hatches into a 6-legged larva, then developing into a 2-stage nymph before becoming an 8-legged adult. Mating occurs on the skin surface at night, with the female laying eggs in hair follicles or sebaceous glands. These mites reside and complete their entire life cycle on a host, feeding on skin cells and sebum. These Mites lack an anus and store their waste inside their bodies, which is released upon their death.

How Does IPL Treat Blepharitis?

Having dry eyes is a very common problem, and its causes can range from simple irritation to an eye condition called blepharitis. Both ailments can be extremely uncomfortable and bothersome, but these can easily be treated with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light Therapy). When properly performed, IPL reduces and alleviates uncomfortable blepharitis symptoms.

By eliminating the root cause of blepharitis, the overall health of the eyelid will be significantly improved, and will allow you to produce more tears and enjoy life without the chronic and irritating symptoms associated with blepharitis.

How Many Times is IPL Performed?

The eyelids require a regular hygiene practice to prevent blepharitis and dry eye disease from recurring. It is recommended that IPL be administered initially in 4 sessions, each 2 weeks apart then every 6 months in order to keep bacteria to a minimum and to prevent the biofilm from developing again.

​​​​​​​How Soon Will I Notice a Difference?

Depending on the stage and severity of the condition, patients tend to feel a difference right after the treatment. However, if you’ve experienced significant damage to your tear glands due to blepharitis, it may take several weeks before observing any changes in your condition.

Certain people may require multiple treatments before they begin to heal. Nightly hygiene and repeat treatments will treat, cure, and prevent a recurrence.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is used to treat Demodex mites in blepharitis by delivering pulses of light to the eyelids, which reduces the mite population and associated inflammation. The heat from the light also liquefies and helps express blocked oils from the meibomian glands, improving tear film quality and overall eye health. IPL provides a non-invasive way to tackle Demodex, potentially reducing the need for other mechanical and/or expensive medical treatments and offering longer-lasting relief.

How it Works

IPL uses flashes of light to target the skin around the eyes.

  • Mite Reduction: The heat generated by the light is thought to cause coagulative death of Demodex mites, reducing their numbers on the eyelids and eyelashes.
  • Meibomian Gland Stimulation: The heat also helps to liquefy and stimulate the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of the tear film.
  • Inflammation Reduction: IPL can constrict small blood vessels that contribute to inflammation, reducing redness and improving the inflammatory environment of the eyelids.
  • Bacteria Control: IPL also reduces the bacteria on the eyelids, which contribute to the Demodex problem.

Benefits of IPL for Demodex

  • Reduces Mite Count: Provides evidence-based reduction in Demodex infestation.
  • Improves Tear Film: Restores natural oil flow and improves tear quality by addressing MGD.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Alleviates the redness and inflammation often associated with Demodex.
  • Improves lid and gland health: By repairing the skin tissue and glands in the eyelids, you are less likely to be prone to future infections from mites, plus enjoy the benefits of reduced dry eye symptoms.

IPL offers a less invasive option than some mechanical procedures.

Considerations

  • Skin Tone Limitations: IPL is not recommended for patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick V or VI) due to the risk of side effects.
  • Maintenance Therapy: A treatment regimen is typically 4 sessions spaced two weeks apart, with a recommended one-time treatment to maintain results every 6 months.
  • Adjunctive Treatment: IPL is often used in combination with other treatments like meibomian gland expression and at-home eyelid hygiene to enhance outcomes. There is also a new medicated prescription drop for demodex called Xdemvy® that may be prescribed as a twice-daily drop for six weeks.

Find out if IPL treatment is right for you, schedule an appointment at Drs. Bintz and Ellis today.