Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blephasteam®?
Blephasteam® is an innovative patented medical device, which delivers latent heat therapy around the eyelids and is designed to relieve symptoms due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – see definition below. This device delivers an environment that naturally enhances tear quality thus improving ocular health, vision and comfort. The principal effect is to improve the thickness and quality of the lipid layer of the human tear film thus enhancing tear function. The lipid layer of the tear film is derived from the meibomian glands of the eyelids, which can often be blocked producing conditions such as Dry Eye Syndrome. Blephasteam® is designed to deliver latent heat therapy, in controlled conditions, to unblock the meibomian glands and thus improve eyelids and ocular health.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?
The Meibomian glands are located along the rim of the eyelids. They produce an oily substance which is one of the components of tears. This oily substance prevents rapid tear evaporation and, therefore, protects your eyes from dryness and damage of the ocular surface. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is characterised by an obstruction of the orifices of the glands by thick oily secretions. In consequence, this oily substance builds up in the glands, is not excreted sufficiently and its quality is lower. This causes more intensive tear evaporation and consequently dry eye symptoms. Your Meibomian glands become swollen and your eyelids inflamed, which causes irritation, itching, blurred vision and foreign body sensation.
How to recognize MGD?
Symptoms of MGD are not specific and generally confused with dry eye and ocular disease symptoms such as itching, burning, foreign body sensations, dryness, etc. Red and inflamed eyes are characteristic of the eyelid inflammation. It is often combined with mucous secretions and eyelids that stick together. An examination of your eyelids and your meibomian glands is necessary. To confirm if you are suffering from MGD, we recommend that you consult your eye care specialist.
How to treat MGD?
Once MGD is confirmed as the root cause of tear film dysfunction, eye care specialists usually introduce a regime of eyelid warming therapy and lid hygiene. It is essential to know that MGD requires regular treatment. MGD treatment consists of important daily eyelid hygiene. Systemic antibiotics, topical antibiotics and steroids could be prescribed for more severe cases and this will normally require a visit to your GP, who will also assess you for any associated dermatological conditions. Eyelid warming therapy is critical, and was traditionally done with hot compresses which are impractical, time-consuming and which do not provide a constant and controlled moist heat therapy thereby reducing their effectiveness. Now the Blephasteam® eyelid warming device has been developed to meet patient and eye care specialists requirements in terms of efficacy, safety and convenience. Blephasteam® is a patented medical device based on the original scientific studies of Dr J. R. Fuller. This innovative device delivers an environment that naturally enhances tear quality thus improving ocular health and comfort. Blephasteam® is designed to deliver latent heat therapy, in controlled conditions, to unblock the meibomian glands in order to improve eyelid and ocular health. The device is convenient, safe and allows clear vision and blinking during its use. It was designed to meet all safety requirements.
How to use Blephasteam®?
Blephasteam® is a medical device recommended by your eye care specialist. Blephasteam® should be used twice a day unless your eye care professional recommends otherwise. You must allow at least 4 hours between each session. It is important to follow the operating instructions and recommendations of your eye care professional. The device must be used with wetted Blephasteam® rings. These rings are for single use only and must be replaced for each session. The Blephasteam® device must be used by a single individual only and must be cleaned carefully after each use.
Can I use Blephasteam® with my contact lenses?
As with any ophthalmologic treatment, it is recommended that you always remove your contact lenses before using Blephasteam®.
Can I use Blephasteam® with other products?
If you wear contact lenses, always remove them before using Blephasteam®. Eye drops should not be used for at least 15 minutes before or after use of Blephasteam®.
Can Blephasteam® be used for children?
Blephasteam® should only be used by children under supervision, and after consulting an eye care specialist. There is no clinical data on the safety and efficacy in children.
How long will Blephasteam® heat last?
Blephasteam® should be plugged in for 15 minutes before use to be preheated correctly. After this the device is ready for use, but before starting the session moisten two Blephasteam® rings and place them inside the device. Fit the device so that it is comfortable over your eyes. The Blephasteam® session lasts 10 minutes, during which you can read, watch TV or simply have a rest. Read the leaflet carefully before use.
What temperature is reached by Blephasteam®?
The safety and efficacy of Blephasteam® have been evaluated in many clinical studies. The level of temperature and moisture combined with the length of the treatment has been shown to be safe and comfortable for use. Blephasteam® heats your eyelids to 40°C, which has been demonstrated to be sufficient to melt the obstructing meibum with no risk to your eyes and eyelids.
How do I clean Blephasteam®?
Your Blephasteam® device must be used by a single individual only and must be cleaned with the dry blue cloth provided or an alcohol-soaked wipe after each use. Do not immerse the device in water or clean under running water.
When should I not use Blephasteam®?
Blephasteam® should not be used if you have any of the following conditions:
- Acute diseases of the eyes and/or eyelids
- Recent trauma and corneal lesions in the eye
- Meibomian seborrhea (excessive secretion produced by the eyelid glands)
- Following eye or peri-ocular surface surgery
If you wear contact lenses, always remove them before using Blephasteam®. Eye drops should not be used for at least 15 minutes before or after use of Blephasteam®. For any kind of medical diseases and contraindications, please ask your eye care specialist.
Where can I buy Blephasteam® and Blephasteam® rings?
Blephasteam® and Blephasteam® rings can be ordered from Spectrum Thea Pharmaceuticals by clicking here.
How long is the Blephasteam® warranty?
Blephasteam® has a 1 year warranty from the purchase date in normal usage conditions and covers any fault, defective material or workmanship, provided the product has been used strictly in accordance with the instructions. For any other problem or question related to the functioning of this system, please contact Laboratoires THEA.
How do I return a defective device?
In the event of a fault or malfunction, please email blephasteamsupport@spectrum-thea.co.uk and we will respond within 48 hours.
Further queries:
For further questions about the Blephasteam® device, send an email to: blephasteamsupport@spectrum-thea.co.uk including your name, contact telephone number and nearest town
