Available at Boots Opticians Wimborne, New Milton, Romsey, Lymington, Weymouth and Uttoxeter
An innovative, Okra-based, natural treatment for symptoms caused by bacterial & mite-based blepharitis, and resultant dry eye.
ZEST®
ZEST is our in-practice treatment best placed to manage and alleviate symptoms caused by blepharitis, whether it be caused by bacteria or mites. We greatly believe in the benefits this service provides – as a result we offer this in all of our Wessex Optical stores. We believe it is the most effective evidence based method we have for alleviation of blepharitis symptoms, when those symptoms are caused by mites/bacteria.
ZEST is an exfoliating eyelid cleaning technique that aims to restore the natural state of the eyelids, and aims to do that as naturally as possible. ZEST aims to remove mites & the bacterial biofilm that contribute to discomfort, redness, and dry/flaky skin. It also aims to remove any debris that may be blocking the opening of oil glands and otherwise preventing oils to enter the tear film.
It does this via patented Zokrex™ technology and activated natural Okra. Okra is a plant that contains a variety of polysaccharides, along with a blend of vitamins such as Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Flavonoids. Okra extract is especially effective in killing Demodex mites, the microscopic parasites that cause Demodex Blepharitis.
Okra is a flowering plant native to East Africa, cultivated in tropical regions for its edible seed pods, with anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory properties when used as apart of ZEST®.
ZEST cleaning is designed to be a comfortable and gentle process, and is always undertaken by one of our trained GOC-registered professionals.
The result is often immediate clinical improvement in under 20 minutes! An initial clinical study showed that patients treated with ZEST had an improvement in tear stability and a reduction in inflammatory markers found within their tear film at follow-up one month post treatment. These patients were contact lens wearers – an overall increase in contact lens comfort & wear times was observed as an effect of the treatment. This is just one cohort – the benefits of ZEST extends to non-contact lens wearers, too!
Relief from symptoms has been shown to last up to 6 months following treatment.
The treatment can be repeated as often as required as apart of a maintenance regimen to prevent the recurrence of dry eye/blepharitis symptoms. Many patients opt for a regular clean with ZEST to keep ontop of their condition, but some may opt for an initial deep clean and then take over maintenance themselves at home with lid hygiene products. We can advise you on any of these aspects, and answer any questions you may have, as apart of your dry eye assessment here with us.
On the left; debris and waste products left behind by Demodex mites are visible, as the “dandruff” flakes around the base of the lashes. On the right; after treatment – removal of debris – eyelids are clean and rejuvenated.
A treatment with ZEST costs £150, and is available in all of our stores at Wessex Optical. If you have any questions, or wish to book in for this treatment, please contact us by clicking the link at the bottom of the page.
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You can return to the dry eye assessment page. It provides an brief overview of the types of treatment we offer.
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