Microblepharoexfoliation (MBE) eyelid cleansing is an in-office treatment for blepharitis and Meibomian gland dysfunction.
Blepharitis is a common eye condition where an overgrowth of normal skin bacteria on the eyelids causes a biofilm build-up and crusting along the eyelashes. Blepharitis causes eyelid inflammation and leads to symptoms such as itch, burning, and chronic eyelid redness. If left untreated, blepharitis often leads to dry eye symptoms and can increase the chance of eye infections.
Microblepharoexfoliation (MBE) treatment will remove bacterial biofilm from the eyelid margin and eyelashes. This treatment helps to reduce eyelid inflammation and improve Meibomian gland function.
Similar to how a dental cleaning removes problematic plaque build-up from your teeth, MBE treatment is used to thoroughly clean the eyelids, removing any bacterial biofilm, scurf and debris associated with blepharitis.
The treatment uses a handheld medical device that rotates a micro-sponge soaked in a gentle cleanser, gently exfoliating each eyelid. The treatment is completed by your optometrist and is typically repeated every 6 to 12 months.
The MBE treatment procedure is simple, painless, and takes takes only a few minutes. During the office visit:
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The patient is comfortably seated on a treatment chair, in a relaxed position.
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Prior to the start of the treatment, a topical anesthetic eye drop is instilled into each eye
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A treatment micro-sponge is soaked in a gentle eyelid cleanser and each eyelid is thoroughly cleaned using the MBE cleaning device
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Treatment of all four eyelids takes approximately 5 minutes
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The patient can return to their regular daily activities immediately after the treatment
The results of Microblepharoexfoliation (MBE) treatment have been fantastic. Within days after MBE treatment, patients feel an improvement in eyelid itch, burning, and a reduction of eyelid redness. MBE has been shown to decrease the symptoms related to dry eye disease by up to 45%.
Blepharitis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Your optometrist may recommend repeating the MBE treatment every 6-12 months. Continuing with your home eyelid hygiene program is essential to help prevent symptoms from returning.
MBE improves signs and symptoms of chronic blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common and often neglected eye condition
an estimated
47%
of people show signs of blepharitis
1 in 4
only
people report cleaning their eyelids daily
up to
45%
improvement of dry eye symptoms with a single MBE treatment
Dr. Graehem Sayer
On Microblepharoexfoliation (MBE)
We are well aware the of importance of brushing our teeth daily has, and the benefits of visiting our dentist for regular cleanings to reduce the chance of developing oral cavities and gingivitis; however, many people are not aware that poor eyelid hygiene can cause a variety of eye-related issues.
Creating an eyelid hygiene regimen is an extremely important part of maintaining healthy eyes and reducing the risk for eye conditions such as blepharitis and dry eye disease. In the past, I have recommended that my patients use an eyelid cleanser or wipe at home; however, this can be difficult to maintain & it is challenging to clean the eyelids thoroughly enough.
Offering the in-office MBE treatment now provides our patients with a professional quality option to maximize eyelid hygiene. I have been very impressed with the improvements my patients are experiencing and repeating the MBE treatment every 6-12 months has proved to be a fantastic addition to their at-home regimen.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions regarding the MBE blepharitis treatment or call our office to schedule a consultation.
LUX Eye Care