Written and Medically Reviewed by Dr Leigh Plowman, Optometrist (updated Sept 2022)
Ever have dry, filmy or watery eyes? These can be symptoms of dry eyes and meibomian glands dysfunction.
Dry eye disease is a common condition, especially with increasing screen and device use. Dry eyes can affect your daily life to the point that it becomes troublesome. It’s best to deal with the condition now so that you can keep living life your way.
Traditionally, the only solution for dry eyes are eyedrops and artificial tears. But new treatments are being developed.
Blephasteam is a treatment for Dry Eyes and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction available now.
Keep reading to learn more about this innovative treatment and why it’s worth a try.
What is 2023 Blephasteam?
Blephasteam is a revolutionary medical device that uses heat therapy to treat several eye conditions.
Dr Fuller’s studies suggest the need for daily applications of heat and humidity to the affected eye to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and other associated eye conditions like dry eyes, ocular rosacea, blepharitis and more.
Blephasteam is a goggle-like device that provides humidity to the eye and surrounding areas.
Blephasteam goggles provide humidity, unlike other treatments that use heat solely.
What are the key differences between the 2010 Blephasteam and 2023 Blephasteam?
- The 2023 Blephasteam has a larger goggle like a ski mask. This gives you wider peripheral vision to look around you.
- The 2023 Blephasteam is wireless. So you can walk around the house and do things while you’re enjoying your eye warm compress.
- The 2023 Blephasteam warms up much faster. It only takes 3-4 minutes instead of 15 minutes
- The 2023 Blephasteam does not require disposable rings. It has a moisture seal that is replaced after three months.
- The 20223 Blephasteam charges via USB. Put it on the docking station and then pick it up when you’re ready to use it.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
As the name suggests, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD is the abnormality in the oily substance that keeps the eye moisturized. The oily substance is produced by Meibomian Glands in the eyelids.
Meibomian gland dysfunction is similar to acne. Oils become blocked or clogged in the meibomian glands that prevent them from secreting sufficient oil into tears.
Without enough and high-quality oil, the eye becomes dry, irritated and filmy.
MGD is a common eye condition and also one of the leading causes of dry eye disease.
Almost 86% of dry eye cases can be traced back to MGD. Blephasteam helps unblock the meibomian glands.
How Does Blephasteam Work?
Since Blephasteam provides both heat and moist therapy, it is effective in improving symptoms of several eye conditions and in providing better vision and comfort.
Blephasteam applies constant gentle heat typically above 40 Degrees Celsius (104 Degrees Farenheit) to the eyelids.
The heat therapy of Blephasteam melts the hardened oils and waxes that clog the meibomian glands.
At the same time, Blephasteam improves blood flow in the treated eye area and the oil flow in the tear surface area.
The 2023 Blephasteam treatment does not require the use of disposable rings.
The additional moisture that comes with the treatment helps reduce eye irritation, sore eyes, crusting and other symptoms related to dry eye disease.
It can also indirectly help eye inflammation associated with dry eyes, MGD and other eye conditions.
How Effective is Blephasteam?
Several studies show the efficiency, safety and acceptability of the 2010 Blephasteam:
Efficiency
In a study with 73 patients treated twice a day for 21 days, almost 84% rated the effectiveness of the treatment as satisfactory or very satisfactory.
Comfort
Majority of the patients found the overall treatment comfortable. They can do activities like watching television, reading books and using their computers while undergoing therapy.
Safety
Blephasteam is a safe and convenient eye treatment. There were no adverse events or safety issues reported during the 21-day treatment in the study mentioned above. In terms of global safety, Blephasteam was rated satisfactory or very satisfactory by 90% of patients.
Backed by several studies and eye care specialists worldwide, Blephasteam is highly acceptable and recommended as MGD and dry eye disease treatment.
Where can I buy 2023 Blephasteam?
Send an email to leigh at dryeyedirectory.com or message m.me/dryeyedirectory
Blephasteam vs. Traditional Warm Compress
But, isn’t Blephasteam just like a warm compress? What makes Blephasteam more favourable than the traditional warm compress?
A three-month clinical study of eyelid warming treatments for MGD cases also supports the efficacy of 2010 Blephasteam compared to warm towel compress for MGD treatment.
After three months of treatment, 78.3% of patients who underwent the treatment reported improvement compared to the 45.5% for the traditional warm compress patients.
The traditional warm compress makes it hard for patients to apply the warm cloth in the correct position, at the best temperature and for the required time.
Blephasteam treatment is far more effective than the traditional warm compress since it can provide optimal temperature directly to the oil glands for an extended period.
Why Use Blephasteam?
People who have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or Dry Eyes may benefit from Blephasteam.
Blephasteam helps:
- Improve tear quality and stability.
- Significant short term and longer benefits
- Humidity inside feels comfortable on the eyes
- The therapy itself is safe and convenient. Since it only takes almost thirty minutes per session (preheating of the device included), you can easily fit it with your schedule.
- Your eyes remain open, so you can keep reading or doing things during the treatment.
How to Use Blephasteam
It can be done at an appointment, or at home.
Typically the temperature increases to around 42 degrees. This helps to melt cloudy, clogged Meibum and make it runny again.
The treatment only takes up to thirty minutes per session. For in-office treatments, manual expression of the glands is also advised. It is advisable for an optometrist or ophthalmologist to do this. Massaging the eyes can damage delicate eye structures.
For in-home treatments, eye massage is skipped and the wearer can resume daily activities immediately.
A full package typically comes with eye-warming goggles and other gear (electric plug, handbook, a storage pouch, etc.). The rings must be replaced every time you use the device.
How many treatments are required?
That depends on the severity of your eye condition and the treatment plan set up for you by your eye doctor. For mild cases of MGD, a single session can already provide a significant improvement. Severe cases, on the other hand, may require multiple sessions weekly.
It is best to go to an eye clinic for a Blephasteam treatment, but there is also a take-home version of the device available online and other eye clinics.
Where can I buy Blephasteam?
Send an email to leigh at dryeyedirectory.com or message m.me/dryeyedirectory
Find a Dry Eye Practitioner near you. Tap this link to learn more and to book an appointment.