Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the surface of your eyes adequately lubricated. Symptoms can include dryness, irritation, redness, and blurred vision.

What is Blephasteam?

Blephasteam is an eyelid-warming device that uses moist heat. It may be considered when meibomian gland dysfunction contributes to dry eye symptoms. These glands supply oils to the tear film; an eye assessment helps establish whether eyelid warming is appropriate for your symptoms.

How Does Blephasteam Work?

• Moist heat: Warming aims to soften thickened gland secretions so that oils can flow more readily.
• Device-specific instructions: Preparation, cleaning and treatment routines vary with the model. Follow the instructions supplied with your device and your treating clinician’s advice.
• Follow-up: Your optometrist can review symptoms and the ocular surface, and adjust your care if the response is insufficient.

Possible Benefits and Limitations

• Possible symptom improvement: Eyelid warming can help some people with meibomian gland dysfunction; it does not address every cause of dry eye.
• Other options: A suitable warm compress or other care may be recommended. Discuss practical requirements and costs before choosing a device.
• Individual suitability: Blephasteam is not suitable for everyone. Age restrictions, eye conditions and the particular device must be considered.

A 2021 randomised trial in adults with meibomian gland dysfunction found improvements with both Blephasteam and a heated eye mask, without a statistically significant difference between the treatments in symptom score or tear-film break-up time over six months. All participants also used artificial tears. The unblinded design, exclusion of more severe cases and dropouts limit certainty. Several authors reported relevant industry relationships. This does not establish that one device is best for everyone or that relief will be permanent.

Comprehensive Dry Eye Care at Smart Vision Optometry

At Smart Vision Optometry, a dry eye assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide a dry eye care plan. Depending on the findings, care may include lubricating eye drops, eyelid care, changes to environmental triggers or other treatment. For more on the different causes, read our article on dry, irritated or watery eyes. Read Healthdirect’s dry eye information for an Australian overview.

Planning Your Dry Eye Care

• Assessment: Describe your symptoms, medicines, contact lens use and previous eye treatment so your optometrist can assess possible causes.
• Shared decisions: Discuss the expected benefit, limitations, alternatives and any ongoing treatment requirements.
• Review: Tell your optometrist if treatment is uncomfortable, symptoms worsen or your routine is difficult to follow.

Book a Dry Eye Assessment

Book an eye assessment to discuss your symptoms and whether Blephasteam or another treatment is appropriate. Booking an assessment does not commit you to a particular device.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with booking, please contact our Bondi (02) 9365 5047 or Mosman (02) 9969 1600 practice directly. Our staff can help with dry eye appointment enquiries.

Does Blephasteam cure dry eye?

Blephasteam may help some people whose symptoms are associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. Dry eye can have several causes, and treatment does not guarantee a cure or permanent relief.

Is Blephasteam suitable for everyone?

No. Your eye condition, age, previous surgery or injury and the instructions for the particular device need to be considered before treatment.

How often should I use Blephasteam?

Follow the instructions for your specific device and the plan agreed with your clinician. Preparation and treatment routines can differ between models, so a general webpage should not replace those instructions.