Say Goodbye to Collarettes
Many of my patients suffer from a form of eyelid inflammation, Demodex blepharitis.
Demodex is a mite that lives on human skin. Quite normal, but when Demodex get over-populated (age, poor hygiene, etc.) – that's when symptoms start. Often my patient will feel a foreign body sensation in their eye(s), stinging, and red eyelids. Sometimes even styes. Symptoms also tend to be worse in the morning than in the evening because Demodex are in a way, morning people, lol.
This is a magnified view of a Demodex mite. It feeds off epithelial cells and sebum on the eyelid margins, only to reproduce, and leave it's waste in the form of collarettes. Somebody say: gross? (photo credit: Modern Optometry)
This is what I see behind my slit-lamp. Waxy debris build up wrapping around eyelashes to give that classic cylindrical, collar-like appearance. Hence the term "collarette." (Photo credit: Modern Optometry)
Lastly, it's important that I see my patients at least once a year. My patients that blow off their annual visit and delay- delay-delay, often have a more challenging case and take much longer to find relief. So sooner is better than later. That's doctors orders.
How to scrub away collarettes
1. Place 1 drop of my Tea Tree Cleansing Oil on the Eyelid Margin Scrub Brush. Think of the brush like a little toothbrush. The tiny head allows precise cleansing and a targeted scrubbing action.
2. Carefully scrub all 4 eyelids. I have them use a 10x mirror and expect a learning curve to improve technique. watch tutorial
3. Demodex also live on the brows and nasal pores. I have my patients perform a final eyelid and face wash with my Tea Tree Eyelid & Eyelash Foaming Cleanser – making sure they target the brow and nasal area.
4. Wash the Scrub Brush with the Foaming Cleanser after each use. Let air dry.
Love + Healthy Eyes,
