ZEST Eyelid Treatment for Dry Eye in Covina, CA

ZEST is an office-based procedure to deep clean the eyelids and the base of the eyelash. Ideal for removing bacteria, biofilm, demodex mites, dandruff, flakiness, and dead cells.

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ZEST In-Office Procedure

WHAT IS ZEST?

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) with ZocuKit is a gentle eyelid cleaning procedure performed at our office to help your red, irritated, dry eyes feel better. Zocular products contain an advanced formulation with okra that has restorative and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of a ZEST cleaning is to naturally remove bacteria and biofilm residing on your eyelids.

HOW LONG IS THE PROCEDURE?

The procedure is quick and painless and takes 10-15 mins to complete (most patients simply report a tickling sensation).

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO IT?

This treatment is commonly repeated at 3-6 month intervals.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR ZEST?

This procedure is indicated for patients with blepharitis, demodex mites, dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), contact lens wearers, pre-surgical patients, eyelash extension wearers, and patients who suffer from styes. This procedure is well tolerated by children as well!

WHAT ARE COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BLEPHARITIS?

Dry, red, irritated, tired, crusty, or burning eyes.

CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DRY EYE

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids and is a leading precursor to dry eye disease (DED). Since the eyelids and eyelid margins are never washed, an overabundance of bacteria and biofilm forms on the eyelids and eyelashes leading to complications.

Symptoms include crusting, swollen eyelids, redness, and recurrent styes.

MGD

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic, progressive abnormality of the oil glands of the eyes and is the leading cause of dry eye disease (DED). MGD has been linked with loss of productivity at home/work, contact lens intolerance and can negatively impact the outcome of cataract and refractive surgery. If left untreated, it can lead to oil gland constipation and eventual irreversible gland drop out/loss.

Symptoms include chronic dryness, intermittent blurry vision, irritation, redness, foreign body sensation, redness, grittiness, and so many more!

Demodex Blepharitis

Demodex mites live in the hair follicles of the eyelashes and look like cylindrical sleeves on the base of the eyelashes. They easily proliferate when excess bacteria on the eyelids provide an accessible food source for these mites to consume. These mites are common and become more prevalent as we age as more than 75% of patients over the age of 45 have mites and often go undiagnosed.

Symptoms include itchiness (often misdiagnosed as "allergies"), irritation, redness, and eyelash loss and misdirection.

Ocular Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition due to hypersensitivity to normal environmental stimuli. Rosacea affects the skin and the sebaceous glands (oil glands) and can therefore cause ocular rosacea. Patients with ocular rosacea present with meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis.

Symptoms include burning/stinging eyes, swollen eyelids, redness, development of red vessels around eyes and skin (cheeks and/or nose), and recurrent styes.

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that affects the lacrimal gland, the cornea, and the mucous-producing cells in the eyes. Sjogren's patients can also present with meibomian gland dysfunction.

Symptoms include dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, burning, eye pain, red eyes, fluctuating and blurry vision.

Lagophthamos

Lagophthamos occurs when a patient has incomplete or abnormal eyelid closure. This can lead to excessive exposure of the front surface of the eye which can lead to ulceration and infection. Lagophthalmos can be associated with sleep apnea, high myopia, thyroid disease, and eyelid surgery.

Symptoms include dry eyes, blurry vision, red eyes, foreign body sensation, increased tearing, and usually worse upon waking up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is blepharitis common?

Yes, blepharitis is a common eye disorder caused by either bacteria or a skin condition, such as dandruff of the scalp or rosacea. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids in which they become red, irritated and itchy with dandruff-like scales that form on the eyelashes.

Are there any other alternatives?

Yes, our doctor can recommend effective home therapy (specific lid foams and scrubs for your individualized for your specific condition) to control your blepharitis. However, BlephEx is like a dental cleaning that needs to be repeated every 4-6 months. Your lid foams are home therapies that need to be incorporated to your daily routine just like brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouth wash.

How is blepharitis associated with dry eye?

Dry eye is a late manifestation of blepharitis. Blepharitis occurs from the chronic accumulation of bacteria and its biofilm in the eyelids and lashes. Bacteria release exotoxins onto the front surface of the eye which in turn leads to a slippery slope of inflammation. This inflammatory cascade continues until it starts affecting other structures of the eye like the lacrimal gland and the damage becomes irreversible.

I am asymptomatic can I do ZEST for preventative treatment?

Absolutely! Starting ZEST early is just good house keeping. Majority of us get teeth cleanings on a regular basis even if we have minimal plaque or no cavities. With the same concept in mind, we would not start dental cleanings only once majority of our teeth are in severe decay or once gingivitis is severely advanced. Preventative treatment is important.

Can my child get ZEST?

Yes, this is a very gentle cleaning and very well tolerated by children.