Zest Treatment for Blepharitis and Eye Health Maintenance

Understanding Zest Treatment for Eye Health

Taking care of your eyes is so important. The eyes are the windows to the soul, but they are also intricate organs that need proper maintenance and care. As we age, our eyes become more susceptible to certain conditions that can cause irritation, inflammation, and discomfort. One of the most common eye conditions that affects many adults is blepharitis.

Blepharitis causes irritation and inflammation of the eyelids and eyelash follicles. The most common symptoms include redness, swelling, flaking, crusting, and sticky eyelids. Left untreated, blepharitis can lead to more serious eye problems down the road. While there are medications and home remedies to manage blepharitis, one of the most innovative treatments available today is the Zest treatment.

What is the Zest Treatment?

The Zest treatment is a type of eyelid cleansing procedure performed in a doctor’s office. It uses a specially designed Zest machine to remove debris, oil, and biofilm that builds up along the base of the eyelashes. This buildup of particulate matter causes inflammation which leads to the frustrating symptoms of blepharitis. The Zest machine uses a controlled stream of fluid to essentially give your eyelids and lashes a deep cleaning.

During the procedure, your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops. The doctor will then use the Zest wand to spray a mixture of saline and surfactant onto your closed eyelids and lashes. This solution works to dissolve and dislodge debris while the controlled pressure rinses it away. The procedure only takes about 10-15 minutes total for both eyes. After the treatment, antibiotic ointment and cold compresses may be applied to soothe any redness or swelling.

Benefits of Zest Treatment

There are many advantages to choosing the Zest treatment for blepharitis and other chronic eyelid conditions:

• It is a quick, non-invasive procedure with no downtime.
• The treatment aims to remove biofilm buildup which is a common root cause of blepharitis.
• It can provide immediate relief from stubborn symptoms like itching, burning, and irritation.
• Regular Zest treatments may reduce the need for daily medications.
• The procedure is safe for all skin types and won’t damage the delicate tissue around the eyes.
• It can help boost lymphatic drainage which improves overall eye health.
• The Zest system cleans harder to reach places like the base of the eyelashes.
• It can be effective at reducing redness and swelling associated with conditions like dry eye.

Patients who undergo periodic Zest treatments report a significant improvement in their quality of life. No more constant eye irritation or unsightly crusting around the lashes. Being able to toss out eye ointments and sprays is also a welcome relief for many blepharitis sufferers.

What to Expect During and After Zest Treatment

If you decide to get a Zest treatment, here is a brief overview of what you can expect both during the procedure and afterwards as you recover:

During the Zest procedure:

• Numbing eye drops will be applied first to maximize comfort.
• You'll be seated in a reclined chair facing upwards.
• The doctor will use a gentle eyelid scrub to prep the skin.
• When ready, the Zest wand will be positioned over each eye to spray the saline solution.
• Your eyes will remain closed as the fluid pulsates against the lids and lashes.
• The wand will systematically move across each eyelid from inner to outer corners.
• The procedure is very low pressure and designed to avoid any pain or discomfort.
• Each eye takes about 5-7 minutes to complete with total time around 15 minutes.

After the Zest procedure:

• Immediately after, your eyes may feel cool and wet from the excess solution.
• Some minor redness, swelling, and tenderness is normal.
• Antibiotic ointment will be applied to prevent infection.
• Cold compresses may be recommended to reduce inflammation.
• Your vision might be slightly blurry right after but should clear within a few hours.
• You can resume normal activities right away with no downtime needed.
• Results are immediate but best when repeated every 1-2 months as maintenance.
• Use any medicated eyedrops as directed to supplement results.

While individual experiences can vary, most Zest patients report the procedure is quick, comfortable, and provides almost instant relief. Any initial redness or puffiness typically resolves itself within a day or two. Consistency is key for lasting results, so following the recommended treatment schedule is advised.

Who is a Candidate for Zest Treatment?

The Zest eyelid cleansing system is designed to be extremely gentle and well-tolerated by most patients. It is safe and effective for people suffering from:

• Blepharitis
• Dry eyes or chronic dry eye syndrome
• Ocular rosacea
• Chalazia (eyelid cysts)
• Recurrent styes
• Excessive oil production along the lash line
• Eyelash mites or lash follicle infestation
• General redness, irritation, and inflammation of the eyelids

Even those without an obvious clinical condition can benefit from periodic Zest treatments to cleanse away bacteria and prevent eyelid infections. It’s a great way to maintain healthy eyes as part of your wellness routine.

However, it’s important to consult your ophthalmologist first before trying any new eye procedure. They can assess your specific situation and advise if Zest treatments would be beneficial or not.

Comparing Zest to Other Blepharitis Treatments

For chronic blepharitis sufferers, finding an effective treatment regimen can be frustrating. Medicated eye drops, ointments, and home scrubs provide partial relief but issues like itching, burning, and redness often persist. The Zest treatment stands out as a fast-acting solution that tackles the underlying cause of blepharitis – biofilm buildup.

Here’s how Zest compares to some standard blepharitis management approaches:

• Warm compresses: Helps soften and loosen crusting but doesn’t remove biofilm or debris.
• Eyelid scrubs: Over-the-counter scrubs can irritate delicate eyelid tissue. And they rely on patient compliance at home.
• Antibiotic ointments: Reduce inflammation but don’t address the root cause of blepharitis.
• Steroid eye drops: Temporarily relieve symptoms but prolonged use has side effects.
• Zest treatment: Uses pressurized saline to deeply cleanse and de-germ eyelids while flushing out obstructing biofilm.

While home remedies have their place in managing blepharitis, the Zest procedure stands apart as a proactive solution that removes built-up debris. The effects are longer-lasting and get right to the source of the problem.

Is Zest Treatment Covered By Insurance?

The Zest eyelid cleansing system is an FDA-approved medical device for treating chronic eye conditions like blepharitis. However, coverage for Zest treatments can vary depending on your specific insurance plan.

Most insurance policies do not classify Zest as a medically necessary procedure. This means any treatments will likely apply to your deductible or coinsurance costs. Very few insurance companies offer coverage for Zest as a standard benefit.

That said, many clinics offer affordable payment plans or discounted rates for Zest treatments. Also, using your FSA (flexible spending account) funds is one way to pay for procedures not covered by your general insurance.

Some factors that may improve your chances of insurance coverage include:

• Having an official blepharitis or dry eye diagnosis from an ophthalmologist.
• Documented history of chronic eye problems unresolved by other treatments.
• Vision problems impacting your daily functioning and quality of life.
• Zest treatment plan recommended by your eye doctor as medically necessary.

Getting a prior authorization from your insurance provider before starting Zest treatments can clarify what reimbursement you can expect. Some relief may also come by billing procedures under diagnostic codes related to your specific eye condition.

The Bottom Line on Zest

If blepharitis symptoms like eye crusting, redness, and irritation seem unrelenting, the Zest treatment could provide real relief. This quick eyelid cleansing procedure uses a gentle pressurized spray to effortlessly wash away oil, debris, and biofilm buildup along the lash line.

By removing this common root cause of eye inflammation, Zest helps create an environment for healthy eyes free of infection-causing bacteria. People who get regular Zest treatments often report significantly reduced blepharitis symptoms between visits.

While insurance coverage varies, many clinics offer payment plans to make this innovative treatment more accessible. Zest’s non-invasive approach, minimal downtime, and immediate results make it an excellent option for maintaining eyelid health.

FAQs

What is zest treatment?

Zest treatment is a type of eyelid cleansing procedure performed in a doctor's office. It uses a specialized device to spray a mixture of saline and surfactant onto the eyelids and lashes to remove debris, oil, and biofilm buildup.

Is zest treatment painful?

No, zest treatment should not be painful. Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops beforehand for comfort. The procedure involves a gentle, low-pressure spray of fluid against your closed eyelids. Most patients report little to no discomfort during or after the treatment.

How long do zest treatment results last?

Individual results can vary, but most patients experience reduced symptoms for 1-2 months after zest treatment. Ongoing maintenance sessions every 4-8 weeks are recommended to sustain the effects. Lifestyle factors like proper lid hygiene at home also prolong results.

What conditions can zest treatment help with?

Zest is primarily used to treat blepharitis and relieve associated symptoms like eye redness, irritation, and crusting around lashes. It can also benefit people with dry eyes, chalazia, recurrent styes, ocular rosacea, and generalized eyelid inflammation.

Is zest treatment covered by insurance?

In most cases, zest treatment is considered elective and not covered by insurance. However, those with chronic eye conditions may be able to receive partial reimbursement depending on their specific plan. Check with your provider about coverage details.