BlephEx treatment at Opticare
BlephEx is a painless, non-invasive treatment for blepharitis, carried out in practice by our eye care professionals. It removes the scurf and bacterial debris that cause this inflammatory eyelid condition, easing its uncomfortable symptoms.
The BlephEx procedure
The eyelids can be difficult to clean, so bacteria, biofilm, scurf and debris can build up over many years. Toxins released by the bacteria cause inflammation, which can seriously irritate the eyelids and tear glands. BlephEx clears this build-up in a few simple steps.
Numbing drops
A numbing drop goes into each eye first, so the treatment is comfortable.
Gentle deep clean
A handpiece spins a sterile, medical-grade micro-sponge along the edges of your eyelids and lashes, removing scurf and debris and exfoliating the lids. A fresh sponge is used for each eyelid, so bacteria aren’t spread between them.
Back to your day
The treatment takes around 6 to 8 minutes, with no downtime. It can be repeated every 6 months.
Want more detail? Read our article What is BlephEx treatment and is it worth it?
Am I a good candidate for BlephEx?
BlephEx is worth considering if you have ongoing symptoms of blepharitis, especially if regular lid hygiene at home hasn’t fully settled them:
- itchy, red or gritty eyelids
- crusting around the lashes
- eyes that feel uncomfortable first thing in the morning
It works alongside daily lid care, not instead of it. BlephEx clears years of built-up debris that warm compresses and lid wipes alone can struggle to shift.
What to expect after treatment
BlephEx is a same-day treatment with no downtime. Your eyelids may feel slightly warm or look a little pink straight afterwards, but this settles quickly and most people go straight back to normal activities.
Because the treatment tackles the underlying build-up rather than just the symptoms, many people find their eyes feel more comfortable over the following days and weeks as the inflammation eases. Your optometrist will advise whether repeat treatment every 6 months, alongside daily lid hygiene, is right for you.
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a long-term (chronic) inflammation of the eyelids, caused by an overgrowth of the normal bacteria that live along the lid and the base of the eyelashes. Anyone can get it, but it becomes more common with age, as we make fewer natural antibodies in our tears.
Common symptoms include:
- red, inflamed eyelids
- crusting around the eyelashes
- itching and discomfort
Blepharitis and dry eye often go hand in hand. If your symptoms feel more like persistent dryness than crusty, inflamed eyelids, our OptiLIGHT IPL therapy may be worth exploring too.
How much does BlephEx cost?
BlephEx is £50 per treatment. It’s also included in OptiPlan Complete, our eye care plan for £14 a month, along with your enhanced eye exam, dry eye assessments, 3D OCT scans and more.
Frequently asked questions
Does BlephEx hurt?
No. A numbing drop is applied before treatment, and most people describe the feeling as a light tickle or vibration rather than pain.
How often will I need it?
Most people benefit from a repeat treatment around every 6 months, alongside daily lid hygiene at home. Your optometrist will suggest a schedule based on how your symptoms respond.
Is BlephEx available at all your practices?
Yes. BlephEx is available at all four Opticare practices: Newark, Anstey, Birstall and Sileby.
How much does BlephEx cost?
BlephEx is £50 per treatment, or included in OptiPlan Complete for £13 a month, which comes with lots of other benefits.
Is BlephEx worth it?
Untreated, blepharitis can be a debilitating condition. Many people see a significant reduction in itching, discomfort and redness after BlephEx. Because blepharitis often comes back, repeating the treatment every 6 months helps keep symptoms under control.