Introducing Zest Blepharitis Treatment

ZEST (Zocular® Eyelid System Treatment), designed to tackle Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex mites. ZEST is an in-office procedure using a natural gel derived from okra. It's quick, painless, and provides immediate relief from irritation and Dry Eye symptoms.

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What is ZEST for?

Poor eyelid hygiene is a large contributing factor to the development of Dry Eye. Debris along the eyelid margins, oil, dead skin, bacteria, and mites that accumulate over time on your eyelids (like plaque on teeth) can lead to eyelid inflammation. This inflammation is known as Blepharitis, and prevents effective production of tear components, leading to poor-quality tears and subsequent Dry Eye symptoms.  ZEST effectively eliminates Demodex mites and bacteria and removes debris to reduce this inflammation.

Causes of Blepharitis and Dry Eye symptoms

Blepharitis is a common eye condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids, specifically the edges where the eyelashes are located. Oil glands (meibomian glands) at the base of the eyelashes become clogged or dysfunctional, which disrupts the normal function of the meibomian glands, resulting in a reduced or poor-quality oil layer in the tear film. This, in turn, leads to increased tear evaporation and an unstable tear film, ultimately causing Dry Eye symptoms. This inflammation can be chronic and is often associated with several uncomfortable symptoms, including redness, itching, burning sensations, and a feeling of grittiness in the eyes. Although there are many daily eyelid hygiene products used to treat Blepharitis, at-home products are often alone not enough to manage stubborn dryness and irritation.

How does ZEST work?

ZEST acts like a deep cleanse for the eyes. Its active ingredient containing Okra, operates as a gentle but potent antimicrobial agent to effectively combat the proliferation of bacteria and demodex mites on the eyelids.  

How does ZEST work?

Okra is rich in vitamins A, E, and C. It also contains essential minerals, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and trace elements, such as zinc, iron, and nickel, in minor proportions. Okra’s antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties can be attributed to its phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, and carotene, which promote health and protect the body from free radical damage.  

The procedure involves applying the okra-based gel to the eyelids and lashes, gently working it into a lather with a cotton swab, and then rinsing it off with saline solution. Okra's gentle yet powerful cleansing properties make it suitable for the delicate eye area. After just one treatment, patients typically experience improved Dry Eye and Blepharitis symptoms.  

What is the process?

Your optometrist will apply the ZEST gel to your eyelids, cleaning and cleansing your eyelashes and lash line.  Relax, recline, close your eyes and enjoy the procedure. It should not sting or irritate the skin or eyes at all.

Relief from symptoms should be noticed within 15 minutes after ZEST. Additional ongoing hygiene products are often recommended to maintain the results from ZEST. Treatment can be repeated 2-3 times annually.  

Resources

Liu, W. and Gong, L. (2021a) ‘Anti‑demodectic effects of okra eyelid patch in demodex blepharitis compared with Tea Tree Oil’, Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 21(4). doi:10.3892/etm.2021.9769.

Khan, S., Rafi, Z., Baker, A., Shoaib, A., Alkhathami, A., Asiri, M., Alshahrani, M., Ahmad, I., Alraey, Y., Hakamy, A., Saeed, M., Mansoor, S., 2022. Phytochemical Screening, Nutritional Value, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Cancer, and Anti-Bacterial Assessment of Aqueous Extract from Abelmoschus esculentus Pods. Processes 10, 183. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10020183

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