Skip to main content

ZEST for Blepharitis

ZEST for Blepharitis

Ancaster Dry Eye Centre is pleased to offer advanced treatment for blepharitis, Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST). This treatment provides powerful, painless and effective treatment for those suffering from an inflammation of the eyelids that causes red, irritated and swollen eyes. If you have been diagnosed with blepharitis, or suspect you may have it, get in touch with us and we’ll provide you with the relief you need.

How Does ZEST Treat Blepharitis?

When properly performed, ZEST reduces and alleviates uncomfortable blepharitis symptoms. The treatment is repeated at regular intervals depending on the severity of the condition. By eliminating the root cause of blepharitis, the overall health of the eyelid will be significantly improved and will allow you to produce more tears and enjoy life without the chronic and irritating symptoms associated with blepharitis.

How Does a ZEST Treatment Work?

tired eyesZEST is a painless in-office procedure performed by our doctors. It works by removing excess bacteria and toxins that live along the lash margin that cause inflammation and eyelid disease. This targeted treatment works by dissolving the biofilm along the edge of your eyelids and lashes, discarding any debris, and exfoliating your eyelids. A micro-sponge is used for each eye individually, so as not to spread bacteria between the eyelids. The procedure takes about 10 minutes to complete and is well-tolerated by the patient. Numbing drops are sometimes placed in the eyes prior to treatment for increased comfort. After the procedure, the patient will be instructed on ways to maintain clean eyelids by following nightly eyelid hygiene.

How Many Times Must a ZEST Treatment Be Performed?

The eyelids require regular hygiene practice to prevent blepharitis and dry eye disease from recurring. It is recommended to have a ZEST treatment be administered every 3 – 6 months in order to keep bacteria to a minimum and to prevent the biofilm from developing again. Once the treatments are stopped, the biofilm will typically redevelop, leading to inflammation and damaged tear glands all over again.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of a ZEST Treatment?

ZEST is a relatively new treatment for dry eyes and is not typically covered by insurance, though you can certainly try to submit it. Even when paying privately, it is still less costly than a year’s worth of eye drops, artificial tears, ointments, and so on.

How Soon Will I Notice a Difference?

Depending on the stage and severity of the condition, patients tend to feel a difference right after the treatment. However, if you’ve experienced significant damage to your tear glands due to blepharitis, it may take several months before observing any changes in your condition. Certain people may require multiple treatments before they begin to heal. Nightly hygiene and repeat treatments will treat, cure and prevent a recurrence.

Does a ZEST Treatment Have Any Side Effects?

There will only be positive effects following the treatment. You will have removed years, if not decades, of biofilm from your eyelids and will be able to comfortably blink without having your eyelids feel sticky. Contact us to schedule your ZEST appointment at Totowa Eyecare and to consult with our doctors for a proper eyelid evaluation.

Our practice serves patients from Hamilton area, Burlington, Brantford, and Cambridge, Ontario and surrounding communities.
Book An Appointment
Call Us! 226-400-1136
Read More About Dry Eyes
Finding Relief for Dry Eye Thumbnail.jpg

An Overview of Dry Eye Symptoms and Causes

dry eye treatments Thumbnail.jpg

What Treatments Can Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome?

what causes dry eye.jpg

What Can Cause Dry Eye?

SPEEDE284A2 Questionnaire.jpg

Dry Eye Questionnaire

woman applying eyedroppers close up.png

Dry Eye Blog

Read Our Latest Posts
patient having special eye exam 350×640 4.jpg

March is Women’s Eye Health Month

The Risk Factors In Children Adolescents.jpg

How Diabetes Increases Dry Eye Risk in Children and Adolescents

Natural And Holistic Dry Eye Treatments2.jpg

Natural And Holistic Dry Eye Treatments

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.jpg

High Blood Sugar Linked to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction