BlephEx Treatment
BlephEx (microblepharoexfoliation) Treatment
If you have blepharitis, you might be advised to have microblepharoexfoliation otherwise known as BlephEx treatment.
What is BlephEx?
BlephEx is a specialist tool used for cleaning the eyelids. It described by its manufacturers as ‘a hand piece used to, very precisely and carefully, spin a medical grade micro-sponge along the edge of your eyelids and lashes, removing scurf and debris and exfoliating your eyelids.’ BlephEx is used with normal saline eye drops.
It’s painless, quick and easy, but very ticklish!
Treatments are typically repeated at regular intervals depending on the severity of the disease.
Typically, BlephEx is repeated every 4-6 months, and you will be encouraged to maintain good lid hygiene between treatments.
Why do I need BlephEx treatment?
Bacteria are a contributory factor in blepharitis.
Deposits along the lid margin can become infected with bacteria. The bacteria then produce substances which cause irritation, burning or itching. Inflammation of the lids affects the meibomian (oil producing) glands. Without enough oil, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eye dry. In the absence of sufficient antibacterial tears, bacteria grow unrestricted, creating further inflammation. Without treatment, it ends up as a vicious cycle of chronically dry and sore eyes.
By eliminating the bacteria, the inflammatory contributors of blepharitis can be reduced and the overall health of the eyelid and meibomian glands is improved.
If microscopic examination has identified deposits on your eyelid margins, you will, therefore, be advised to thoroughly clean your eyelids. It can be difficult to do this yourself, which is why BlephEx is often recommended to achieve a thorough clean.
Our Treatments
Initial Consultation
Your initial consultation will take about 90 minutes and consists of two parts:
1. Standard dry eye analysis, including Schirmer's testing, tear mensicus measurement, tear break-up time and meibomian gland imaging. This takes about 30 minutes.
Tear biomarker testing for inflammation, allergy and mucin levels is also available, for an additional cost.*
2. Consultation and examination with the clinician. This takes anywhere from 45-55 minutes.
The examination includes looking for any abnormalities in the eyelids, puncta and meibomian glands, testing for staining of the cornea, expressing the meibomian glands to assess the quantity and quality of oil being produced and a test probe of one or two glands (if appropriate) to identify whether internal blockages are present. The clinican will also look for any coexisting allergies or other conditions which are associated with, or can mimic, dry eye disease. You will also be encouraged to share more information about your symptoms.
All the analysis and examination findings will be shared with you. Treatment options will be discussed and, based on your clinic need and preferences, recommendations provided. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have or raise any concerns.
After your appointment, you will receive a full report, outlining the findings and the treatment plan recommended. You will also receive a copy of the dry eye analysis report and images of your meibomian glands. A treatment quotation will be provided and you can get in touch as and when you wish to proceed with treatment. You can also get in touch if you have any more questions and we will be happy to provide answers.
The cost of an initial consultation with Mr Yodaiken is £310.
Mr Yodaiken is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon and one of the leading dry eye specialists, with patients coming in from all over the world to access his expertise.
We also have an optometrist available for assessments and treatment. Aisha Patel has been trained by Mr Yodaiken and undertakes the same examination, working with the same protocols as Mr Yodaiken (who she can consult at any time).
The cost of an initial consultation with Aisha Patel is £225.
*The cost of tear biomarker testing is £130.
For treatment charges, see the options below.
Follow-up Consultation
Review with a consultant ophthalmologist at three, six, or twelve months after LipiFlow or IPL treatment, or sooner if a medication review is appropriate.
Follow-up without imaging - £195
Follow-up with imaging - £295
Repeat imaging - £100
Meibomian Gland Probing
Manual probing to clear blocked meibomian glands, both upper and lower lids, undertaken by an experienced consultant ophthalmologist. Two hour session.
Meibomian gland probing - £1,900
Meibomian gland probing to one eye only - £1,100
Optilight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Single Session
An IPL treatment course consists of 4 initial sessions at 2-4 week intervals, followed by 2 maintenance treatment over the course of the next year. IPL is always accompanied by meibomian gland expression and sessions 2, 3 and 4 of the initial course include a mini consultation as well.
We use the Optilight IPL device - the latest and best option. Optilight has a wide range of settings, allowing treatment to be tailored specifically for you. The 'pen' attachment allows upper lid treatment as well.
Single session with consultant ophthalmologist - £400
Single session with trained optometrist/nurse - £250 (not currently available)
Note: An annual review is required before proceeding to maintenance IPL treatment to assess fitness for further treatment.
Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
A course of LLLT consists of four sessions, one a week. The effects can wear off gradually so some patients benefit from maintenance sessions every now and then.
We use the Eye-Light device, which is a mask that sits over your upper face.
Single session - £200
LipiFlow
LipiFlow treatment undertaken by an experienced consultant ophthalmologist following full initial consultation (paid separately).
Lipiflow treatment - one eye - £500
Lipiflow treatment - both eyes - £950
Chalazion Removal
First line clinical treatment of chalazions is a steroid injection. If this fails to clear the chalazion, incision and curettage is required.
Treatment can be undertaken within the Dry Eyes Clinic or at the Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle. Prices shown are for treatment at Dry Eyes Clinic only.
Kenalog (steroid) injection to chalazion - £230
Incision and curettage of chalazion - £650
OmniLenz Amniotic Membrane
Amniotic membrane can now be applied to treat dry eyes and/or damaged corneas without the need for a full graft, by using the OmniLenz. The amniotic membrane is contained within a contact lens, which is worn for a week.
Insertion and removal of OmniLenz amniotic membrane - £200 each
OmniLenz cost - £435 per lens
Package 1 – Optilight IPL - Full Initial Course
This package covers a full course of 4 sessions of IPL using the Optilight and undertaken by a consultant ophthalmologist. It excludes the initial consultation and is based on a typical consultant rate of £400 per IPL session. There is a £200 discount if the full course is paid in advance.
Each session includes meibomian gland expression and a mini review.
Ophthalmologist IPL Course paid per appointment - £1,600 (£400 x 4)
Ophthalmologist IPL Course paid in advance - £1,400
Package 2 – Optilight IPL – Full Course including Maintenance for First Year
This excludes initial consultations, but includes 4 initial sessions and 2 maintenance sessions, each six months apart. All carried out by a consultant ophthalmologist. Paying the full course in advance offers a saving of £450.
Each treatment session includes meibomian gland expression and a mini review.
Ophthalmologist IPL Course and Maintenance for First Year - £2,400 (£400 x 6)
Ophthalmologist IPL Course and Maintenance for First Year paid in advance - £1,950
Package 3 – Combined Meibomian Gland Probing and Full Course of Optilight IPL
Full probing of all meibomian glands plus an initial 4-session course of Optilight IPL, all carried out by a consultant ophthalmologist. Paying the full course in advance offers a saving of £350.
Each IPL session includes meibomian gland expression and and a mini review.
Ophthalmologist Probing and IPL Course - £3,500 (£1900 x 1 + £400 x 6)
Ophthalmologist Probing and IPL Course paid in advance - £3,150
Package 4 – Combined Course of Lipiflow and Optilight IPL
Normally costing £950 for the Lipiflow and £1,600 for a full initial course of Optilight IPL when undertaken by a consultant ophthalmologist, this package deal saves £300 in total. Consultation is not included, nor the two maintenance sessions of IPL.
Each IPL session includes meibomian gland expression and a mini review.
Combined Lipiflow and IPL with Consultant Ophthalmologist paid in advance - £2,250.
Custom Packages
A custom package can be created to suit your needs. Contact us with your requirements and we will work out a package cost for you.
OmniLenz amniotic membrane
BlephEx
