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Eyelid hygiene & dry eye treatment

BlephEx: Eyelid Margin Micro-Exfoliation for Blepharitis & MGD

At a glance

  • Non-invasive lid margin micro-exfoliation treatment
  • Targets blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
  • Deep cleans the eyelid margins and lash line
  • Typical treatment time: 10–15 minutes
  • Painless procedure with no downtime
  • Results commonly last around 4 to 6 months
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BlephEx eyelid treatment for blepharitis and MGD at Clinica London

Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) are common causes of chronic dry eye. BlephEx is a non-invasive, in-clinic procedure that deeply cleans the eyelids to treat the root cause of this inflammation — providing immediate relief from grittiness and itchiness and helping restore your eyes' natural comfort.

At a glance: BlephEx lid margin micro-exfoliation

What is BlephEx?

BlephEx is a specialised micro-exfoliation procedure that thoroughly cleans the lid margins — the area where your eyelashes meet the eyelid. It precisely removes biofilm and debris that can clog the meibomian glands and cause the inflammation associated with blepharitis and MGD.

How does BlephEx work?

BlephEx uses a soft, medical-grade micro-sponge that rotates at a carefully controlled speed. Your clinician gently runs this along the edge of your upper and lower eyelids, exfoliating the skin and unblocking gland openings. This process is painless and restores the eyelid to a healthy, clean state.

Who is BlephEx suitable for?

BlephEx is suitable for anyone suffering from the symptoms of blepharitis or MGD, including gritty, itchy or red eyelids, crusting, and fluctuating vision. It is an excellent option for patients who have not found sufficient relief from over-the-counter treatments.

What are the risks?

BlephEx is a very low-risk, non-invasive procedure. Topical anaesthetic drops are used to enhance comfort, and the treatment is well tolerated. It is painless, and there is no downtime.

When will I notice results?

Many patients report an immediate improvement in comfort and significant relief. As the inflammation in your eyelids continues to subside over the following days, you may notice a further reduction in gritty and itchy sensations.

How long do the effects last?

The results typically last for 4 to 6 months. Since blepharitis is a chronic condition, repeat maintenance treatments within this timeframe can help keep the inflammation under control and prevent symptoms from returning.

Key benefits of BlephEx vs. home treatments

Deeper cleaning than home care

BlephEx reaches and cleans areas of the eyelid margin and lash line that are difficult to target effectively at home.

Fast symptom relief

Many patients notice a significant reduction in grittiness, itchiness and irritation soon after treatment.

Safe and consistent

Provides a safe, thorough and consistent clean of the lid margins with every treatment session.

Removes excess biofilm

Helps clear bacteria, debris and crusting from all four eyelid margins to reduce the source of ongoing inflammation.

Supports gland function

Helps open blocked meibomian glands and restore healthier oil flow, improving tear film quality.

Quick and comfortable

The full procedure usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes, with no downtime afterwards.

Considering BlephEx for blepharitis or MGD?

A specialist consultation can help determine whether BlephEx is the right next step for your symptoms.

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Your BlephEx procedure at Clinica London

We have a structured and thorough approach to BlephEx treatments, starting with an expert assessment that will inform and guide your individual care plan.

1

Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive examination of your eyelids and ocular surface. Our specialists will assess your blepharitis or MGD and confirm that BlephEx is the right solution for you.

There is no obligation to proceed.

2

The treatment

After being welcomed in and prepped, you will be seated comfortably. Anaesthetic eye drops are applied to reduce discomfort and your blink reflex.

Your clinician will then use the gentle BlephEx handpiece to deep clean each eyelid margin, removing built-up biofilm and debris with a spinning sponge along the lid margins and lash line.

3

Aftercare

There is no downtime. You can resume your daily activities immediately after the session.

We will provide simple aftercare instructions, which may include the use of preservative-free artificial tears, and schedule your recommended follow-up and maintenance appointments.

Our specialist dry eye consultants

Our ophthalmic consultants are available Monday to Friday. Every treatment plan is individually assessed and tailored by our specialist Consultant ophthalmic team.

Miss Jane Olver
Medical Director & Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Miss Jane Olver

Founder and Medical Director of Clinica London, with 30 years' specialist experience in oculoplastic and lacrimal surgery. President of the International Society of Dacryology and dry eye (2024–2026).

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Professor Sajjad Ahmad
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon — Cornea & External Eye Diseases

Professor Sajjad Ahmad

Highly skilled clinician and scientist specialising in diseases of the front of the eye. Expert in inflammatory eye diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva.

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Ms Naomi Tan
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon — Paediatric Ophthalmology & Cataract

Ms Naomi Tan

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon working in private practice at Clinica London and in the NHS at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

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Book your dry eye consultation

A full consultation helps identify whether blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction is driving your symptoms and whether BlephEx is the best treatment option for you.

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What is blepharitis, and how does BlephEx help?

Watch how BlephEx removes biofilm and debris from the eyelid margins.

Blepharitis is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids, often associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). It occurs when a bacterial biofilm builds up along the lid margin, clogging the tiny oil-producing glands. This leads to irritated, itchy and red eyelids, a gritty sensation, and crusting or debris at the base of the eyelashes.

BlephEx is a targeted solution that tackles blepharitis at its source. This painless in-clinic procedure removes the layer of bacteria and debris that causes chronic inflammation, and gently exfoliates and opens the blocked meibomian glands, allowing them to release healthy oils again.

BlephEx provides a deep-clean foundation, making your daily at-home lid hygiene routine much more effective. By thoroughly cleaning the eyelid margin, BlephEx helps break the cycle of inflammation and discomfort, providing lasting relief and supporting long-term eye health.

Frequently asked questions

Is BlephEx painful?
No. BlephEx is generally painless. Anaesthetic eye drops are used to reduce the blink reflex and ensure comfort throughout the procedure.
How long does a BlephEx treatment take?
The treatment usually takes around 10–15 minutes and is performed in clinic with no recovery time required.
How often should BlephEx be repeated?
Most patients benefit from repeat treatments every 4–6 months to keep eyelid inflammation and biofilm under control. Since blepharitis is a chronic condition, regular maintenance is key to long-term comfort.
Can BlephEx help dry eye symptoms?
Yes. BlephEx removes the bacterial biofilm that contributes to blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, which are major causes of dry eye disease. Improving gland function helps stabilise the tear film and reduce evaporative dry eye.
Is there any downtime after BlephEx?
None at all. You can return to work and all normal activities immediately after treatment. Some patients notice mild temporary redness in the treated area, which settles quickly.
Can BlephEx be combined with other treatments?
Yes. BlephEx is frequently combined with OptiLight IPL and OptiLIFT at Clinica London for a comprehensive approach to dry eye disease. Your consultant will advise on the most appropriate combination for your individual needs.

Take the next step towards lasting eyelid comfort

Speak to one of our specialists to find out whether BlephEx is suitable for your symptoms and treatment goals.

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