Blephasteam is an innovative patented medical device, which delivers latent heat therapy around the eyelids and is designed to relieve symptoms due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This dysfunction causes a certain number of eye irritations, such as dry eye syndrome. This innovative device delivers an environment that naturally enhances tear quality thus improving ocular health, vision and comfort. The principal effect is to improve the thickness and quality of the lipid layer of the human tear film thus enhancing tear function. The lipid layer of the tear film is derived from the meibomian glands of the eyelids, which can often be blocked producing conditions such as dry eye syndrome. BLEPHASTEAM is designed to deliver latent heat therapy, in controlled conditions, to unblock the meibomian glands and thus improve eyelids and ocular health.
What is Meibomian gland dysfunction?
The Meibomian glands are located along the rim of the eyelids. They produce an oily substance which is one of the components of tears. This oily substance, by its properties, prevents rapid tear evaporation and, therefore, protects your eyes from dryness and bad damage on the ocular surface. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is characterised by an obstruction of the orifices of the glands by thick oily secretions. In consequence, this oily substance piles up into the glands and thus is not excreted sufficiently and its quality is lower. This involves more intensive tear evaporation and consequently dry eye symptoms. Your Meibomian glands become swelled and your eyelids inflamed, which causes irritation, itching, blurred vision and foreign body sensation.
How to recognize MGD?
Symptoms of MGD are not specific and generally confused with dry eye and ocular disease symptoms such as itching, burning, foreign body sensations, dryness… Red and inflamed eyes are characteristic of the eyelids inflammation. It is often combined with mucous secretions and eyelids stuck together. An examination of your eyelids and your meibomian glands is necessary. To be sure you suffer from MGD, we recommend you to consult your eye care specialist.
How to treat it?
When MGD is recognised as the root cause of the tear film dysfunction, usually eye care specialist introduces a traditional regime of eyelid warming therapy and lid hygiene. It is essential to know that MGD requires regular treatment MGD treatment consists of important daily eyelid hygiene. Systemic antibiotics, topical antibiotics and steroids could be prescribed and require a doctor’s recommendations, as for any associated dermatologic conditions. This first step is critical, and was usually done with hot compresses which were impractical, time-consuming and which were not provided latent and controlled moist heat therapy. Nowadays, Blephasteam eyelid warming device has been developed to meet patient and eye care specialists requirements in terms of efficacy, safety and convenience. Blephasteam is a patented medical device based on the original scientific studies of Dr J R Fuller. This innovative device delivers an environment that naturally enhances tear quality thus improving ocular health and comfort. Blephasteam is designed to deliver latent heat therapy, in controlled conditions, to unblock the meibomian glands in order to improve eyelid and ocular health. The device is convenient, safe and allows clear vision and blinking during its use. It was designed to meet safety requirements.
How to use BLEPHASTEAM?
Blephasteam is a medical device prescribed by your eye care specialist. We recommend you to use Blephasteam twice a day unless otherwise recommended by your eye care professional. You must allow at least 4 hours between each session. It is important to follow the operating instructions and recommendations of your eye care professional. The device must be used with wetted Blephasteam rings. These rings are for single use only and must be replaced for each session. Blephasteam device must be used by a single individual only and must be cleaned carefully after each use.
Can I use BLEPHASTEAM with my contact lenses?
As any ophthalmologic treatment, it is recommended to always remove your contact lenses before using Blephasteam.
Can I use BLEPHASTEAM with other products?
If you wear contact lenses, always remove them before using BLEPHASTEAM. Eye drops should not be used for at least 15 minutes before or after use of BLEPHASTEAM.
Can I use BLEPHASTEAM in children?
BLEPHASTEAM should only be used by children under supervision, and after consulting an eye care specialist recommendation. There are no clinical data on the safety and efficacy in children.
How long will BLEPHASTEAM heat last?
Blephasteam should be plugged in for 15 minutes before use to be preheated correctly. After this, the device is ready for use, but before starting the session, moisten two Blephasteam rings and place them inside the device. Fit the device so that it is comfortable over your eyes. The Blephasteam session lasts 10 minutes, during which you can read, watch TV or simply have a rest. Read the leaflet carefully before use.
Which is temperature reached by Blephasteam?
Safety and efficacy of Blephasteam have been evaluated in many clinical studies. The level of temperature and moisture combined with the length of the treatment has been shown to be safe and comfortable for use. Blephasteam heats your eyelids to 40°C, which has been demonstrated to be sufficient to melt the obstructing meibum with no risk to your eyes and eyelids.
How do I clean BLEPHASTEAM?
Your BLEPHASTEAM device must be used by a single individual only and must be cleaned with the dry blue cloth provided or an alcohol-soaked wipe after each use. Do not immerse the device in water or clean under running water.
When can I not use BLEPHASTEAM?
Blephasteam should not be used:
If you wear contact lenses, always remove them before using Blephasteam. Eye drops should not be used for at least 15 minutes after use of Blephasteam. For any kind of medical diseases and contraindications, please ask your eye care specialist.
- In case of acute diseases of eyes and/or eyelids,
- In case of recent trauma and corneal lesions in the eye,
- In case of Meibomian seborrhea (excessive secretion produced by the eyelid glands),
- Following eye or peri-ocular surface surgery.
Where can I buy BLEPHASTEAM and BLEPHASTEAM rings?
Blephasteam and Blephasteam rings can be ordered from Butterflies Healthcare.
What is the BLEPHASTEAM warranty time?
Blephasteam has a 1 year warranty from the purchase date in normal usage conditions and covers any fault, defective material or workmanship, provided the product has been used strictly in accordance with the instructions.