CODESA Eye Care

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids, and one of the most common causes of ongoing eyelid discomfort. A bacterial biofilm can build up along the lash line from conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, rosacea, allergies, makeup buildup, or Demodex mites.

Symptoms may include red or swollen eyelids, burning, gritty or itchy eyes, and flaking of the skin around the eyes. If left untreated, blepharitis can lead to recurrent styes and may worsen Dry Eye Disease.

Environmental factors can significantly affect dry eye disease, so it’s important to understand how your surroundings may impact your eye health. Dry and windy conditions, air conditioning, and heating systems can increase tear evaporation and worsen symptoms.

Prolonged screen time and reduced blink rates can also contribute to dry eye disease, especially in occupations that require long periods of reading or computer work. Environmental pollutants such as smoke and dust may further irritate the eyes and increase discomfort.

By reducing exposure to these environmental triggers and making small lifestyle adjustments, you can help better manage dry eye symptoms and support healthier tear function.

Lagophthalmos describes the incomplete or abnormal closure of the eyelids. A full eyelid closure with a normal blink reflex is necessary to maintain and stabilize the tear film across the surface of the eye.

Common symptoms include increased tearing, foreign body sensation, pain, and blurry vision. Pain is often worse in the morning due to increased corneal exposure and dryness during sleep.

Common causes include sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, previous eyelid surgeries, and age-related lid laxity.

Eyelid laxity is a common factor in dry eye disease and affects both the appearance and functionality of the eyes. Healthy eyelids are essential for evenly distributing tears across the eye’s surface. When the eyelids lose firmness, it can lead to discomfort, irritation, and an unstable tear film.

This can contribute to conditions such as:
– Lagophthalmos: Incomplete eyelid closure, especially during sleep, leading to dryness and irritation.
– Ectropion: Outward turning of the eyelid, preventing proper tear distribution and drainage.
– Epiphora: Chronic tearing caused by poor tear distribution and ineffective blinking.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is the most common type of Dry Eye Disease. The meibomian glands are oil-producing glands located along the edge of the eyelids, near the base of the eyelashes.

These glands create the oily outer layer of the tear film, which prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. This oil should have a thin, fluid consistency, but over time it can thicken and become stagnant due to factors such as contact lens wear, makeup buildup, medications, rosacea, blepharitis, and other multifactorial contributors.

When the glands become chronically clogged, they may stop producing oil altogether, leading to permanent gland loss and worsening dry eye symptoms.

In the early stages, MGD may cause no symptoms, but if left untreated it can lead to significant dryness, watering, light sensitivity, and even corneal complications.

Neurotrophic Keratitis (NK) is a rare eye condition caused by damage to the corneal nerves, which are essential for sensation and healing. When these nerves don’t function properly, the eye becomes more vulnerable to dryness, injury, infection, and slow healing. Over time, this can lead to non-healing wounds and vision loss.

Symptoms may be mild or even absent, making NK difficult to detect early. Common signs include:
• Redness or irritation
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Persistent dryness or discomfort

Because NK can progress silently, early diagnosis and treatment are important for protecting vision and preventing complications. With regular care and a personalized treatment plan, healing can be supported and further damage can be minimized.

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition that may cause facial blushing or flushing, visible small blood vessels, acne-like bumps, a burning sensation, and thickened skin around the nose. Beyond cosmetic concerns, up to 80% of people with rosacea develop Ocular Rosacea, a frequent cause of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

While there is no cure for rosacea, treatment can help control inflammation and reduce both skin-related and eye-related symptoms.

Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) applies gentle, localized heat to the eyelids to help treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), dry eye, blepharitis, chalazion, and styes.

Our LLLT device uses medical-grade LEDs to deliver photobiomodulation, a light-based technology that boosts cellular energy and supports natural healing. The treatment also warms the eyelids to temperatures recommended for periorbital heat therapy, helping restore healthy meibomian gland function and improving overall comfort.

Lumenis OptiLIGHT (IPL) Full Face is a non-invasive, light-based treatment that reduces inflammation, improves meibomian gland activity, and enhances overall skin health. It supports dry eye management while also providing full-face rejuvenation benefits.

OptiLIGHT is the first and only IPL that is FDA-approved for the management of dry eye disease due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This therapy is drug-free, laser-free, and designed to safely reduce demodex, decrease abnormal blood vessel growth, and improve the function of the meibomian glands.

Patients with mild to moderate gland loss typically need 4 treatments, while moderate to severe cases may require 6 treatments to restore oil gland function. Each session lasts about 45 minutes and includes full-face IPL therapy to reduce inflammation, improve skin clarity, and target vascular and pigment irregularities. After your IPL treatment, your glands will be expressed to remove stagnant oil and improve comfort with each blink. Sessions are scheduled 2–4 weeks apart. Maintenance frequency will be determined during your third treatment.

Common side effects include:
- A mild sunburn-like sensation for up to one hour
- Temporary redness or swelling, typically resolving within 24 hours
- Visible improvement in skin complexion, including rosacea and sun spots
- Possible hypopigmentation in richly pigmented skin tones

Extensive OptiLIGHT safety and efficacy materials can be provided upon request.

TearCare is a 30-minute in-office treatment that applies gentle, targeted heat to the eyelids to warm, liquify, and clear blocked meibomian glands. This helps restore the natural flow of your tear film oils.

TearCare is the only open-eye thermal procedure, allowing you to comfortably blink during treatment. SmartLid devices are placed on all four lids and gradually warm the hardened oils to their therapeutic melting point of about 105°F, making it safer and more effective than at-home warm compresses.

After heating, a clearance device is gently used to express the stagnant oil from each gland, allowing your natural oils to replenish the ocular surface with every blink.

OptiPlus (RF) Full Face uses radio frequency energy to gently heat the skin and eyelids, helping restore natural oil flow while also improving overall facial tone and appearance. This therapy warms and softens clogged meibomian glands so they can be expressed more effectively.

Radio frequency uses a small handheld device that delivers controlled heat therapy to the skin and eyelids, allowing your natural oil production to better protect the eyes with each blink. The treatment is non-invasive and feels similar to a hot stone massage.

In addition to improving oil gland function, RF also helps lift mild dermatochalasis (droopy lids) and stimulates collagen production across the full face. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity, contributing to a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.

Each session lasts about 45 minutes. Your meibomian gland expression will be video recorded so you can monitor your progress, and your doctor will determine the appropriate maintenance schedule.

TriLift DMSt is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that strengthens and reactivates key facial muscles to improve eyelid support, skin tone, and overall ocular comfort. As we age, facial muscles naturally weaken and stretch, which can lead to sagging skin, reduced muscle tone, and eyelid laxity. These changes may contribute to conditions such as lagophthalmos, ectropion, and epiphora, affecting both appearance and proper tear function.

TriLift combines Dynamic Muscle Stimulation (DMSt) with radiofrequency (RF) to rejuvenate the facial muscles that shape and support the eyelids. This combination helps lift and restore proper eyelid function while promoting a more refreshed, youthful appearance, and improving dry eye symptoms by reducing inflammation.

The DMSt component mimics natural muscle movement by contracting and activating the orbicularis oculi — the muscle responsible for blinking. Increasing activity in this muscle stimulates a rapid blinking reflex, improves tear distribution, enhances natural tear production, and reduces eyelid laxity. By strengthening and repositioning the eyelids, TriLift supports healthier tear flow and greater comfort for dry eye sufferers.

ZEST Eyelid and Eyelash Exfoliation is a 20-minute in-office treatment that gently exfoliates the eyelids and lashes to remove excess bacteria, biofilm, and debris that contribute to itching, redness, swelling, and discomfort.

Healthy eyelids are essential for normal tear production. Poor lid hygiene allows bacteria, biofilm, and toxins to accumulate along the lash line, and inflammatory conditions such as anterior blepharitis and Demodex infestations can further irritate the lids.

ZEST helps alleviate these symptoms by thoroughly cleansing the eyelid margins and improving overall eyelid health. Pre- and post-treatment photos will be taken for you to review, and regular ZEST treatments may be recommended depending on your natural biofilm buildup.

At-home medicated cleansers will also be prescribed to help prevent further debris accumulation and extend the longevity of your results.

Rinsada™ gently cleans, lubricates, and refreshes the ocular surface by softly retracting the eyelid and irrigating the eye with a controlled, comfortable flow. This process helps remove inflammation-causing debris, bacteria, and allergens that may be trapped on the surface, providing fast relief for dry, itchy, or burning eyes.

Mal-E & Sal-E Chemical Peel helps reduce facial demodex, a key contributor to ocular rosacea and ocular blepharitis, while improving overall skin health. These Epionce peels remove dead skin cells, clear pores, and minimize papules and pustules commonly associated with rosacea.

Formulated with malic acid, salicylic acid, and Epionce botanical ingredients, the peels address congestion, dullness, and rough texture. They also help reduce dark spots, breakouts, rosacea, wrinkles, and fine lines for a smoother, more even complexion.

The Epionce Peel System provides anti-aging benefits comparable to stronger chemical peels but without significant downtime. Most patients experience only mild flaking. Chemical peels also improve the absorption of topical medications, allowing them to penetrate deeper for enhanced effectiveness.

Refresh Lite Peel is a gentle, no-downtime “lunch-time peel” from Epionce that increases cell turnover to smooth and retexturize the skin. This light chemical peel removes dead skin cells, clears congested pores, and helps reduce papules and pustules commonly associated with rosacea.

By promoting healthier cell renewal, the peel improves skin tone, texture, and overall brightness. Chemical peels also enhance the absorption of topical medications, allowing them to penetrate more effectively for improved results.

Refresh Lite Peels may also help relieve eye-related symptoms by reducing facial demodex, a key contributor to ocular rosacea and blepharitis.

Pred Forte is a prescription corticosteroid eye drop used to treat steroid-responsive inflammation of the conjunctiva, cornea, and the front part of the eye. It helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation caused by inflammatory eye conditions.

corticosteroid (steroid) medication used topically in the eye to reduce inflammation, pain, swelling, itching, and redness caused by various eye conditions

Eysuvis is a corticosteroid ophthalmic suspension used for the short-term (up to two weeks) treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in adults. It helps reduce inflammation on the ocular surface to provide fast, temporary relief during flare-ups of dryness and irritation.

MIEBO (Perfluorohexyloctane Ophthalmic Solution) is a prescription eye drop designed to treat evaporative Dry Eye Disease. Instead of increasing tear volume, MIEBO helps by forming a smooth, protective layer over the tear film, which reduces excess tear evaporation. This is especially helpful for patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) whose tear film evaporates too quickly.

By stabilizing the tear film, MIEBO helps improve comfort, reduce burning and dryness, and support long-term ocular surface health.

Cequa is a prescription eye drop designed to treat the underlying inflammation that causes chronic dry eye disease. It delivers cyclosporine through advanced nanomicellar technology, which helps the medication absorb more effectively and improve your natural tear production.

Restasis is a prescription eye drop that helps increase your eye’s natural tear production. It is commonly used for chronic dry eye caused by inflammation that reduces the function of the tear-producing glands.

Restasis works by reducing inflammation on the ocular surface, allowing the tear glands to produce more of your own natural tears over time. Because it treats the underlying inflammatory cause of dry eye, improvement is gradual and may take several weeks to months of consistent use.

Use twice a day (2×/day). Follow package instructions carefully. Do not inhale deeply when spraying into the nose. (It won’t cause harm, but you may feel a mild sensation in the back of your throat if inhaled.) Breathe normally during application.

Why? The trigeminal nerve plays an important role in tear production and in how the brain and eyes communicate regarding tear secretion. In Dry Eye Disease, this nerve often does not function as well as it should.

Tyrvaya helps stimulate this nerve, allowing for better natural tear production. It is the first-of-its-kind nasal spray specifically designed to treat the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.

An important component of treating dry eyes is limiting the amount of chemicals and preservatives going into the eyes. Tyrvaya helps your body produce more of your natural tear film without the need for additional eye drops.

Xiidra (lifitegrast 5%) is a prescription eye drop used to treat the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. It works by blocking a specific inflammatory pathway on the surface of the eye (the LFA-1/ICAM-1 pathway), which contributes to dryness, burning, irritation, and overall ocular discomfort. By reducing this inflammation, Xiidra helps improve both comfort and tear film quality over time.

How to Use
• Use twice daily, as directed by your doctor.
• After instilling a drop, close your eyes and keep your head lowered for 1 minute to improve absorption.
• If stinging occurs, apply an artificial tear drop 10 minutes before using Xiidra to reduce discomfort.

Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic commonly prescribed for its anti-inflammatory benefits in managing chronic eyelid and ocular surface conditions. In eye care, it helps reduce inflammation associated with blepharitis, rosacea, and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

Doxycycline should be taken with food, but avoid taking it with dairy or calcium-containing products, as they can interfere with absorption. Use caution, as this medication may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.

XDEMVY is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis, an eyelid disease caused by an infestation of Demodex mites. These mites are common on human skin, but when they overpopulate the eyelids they cause inflammation, irritation, and the formation of collarettes along the lash line.

XDEMVY is designed specifically to target and kill the Demodex mites that cause DB. In two combined clinical studies, 50% of patients had a significant reduction in collarettes, and 60% experienced complete elimination of Demodex mites.

Maxitrol Ointment (Rx Only) is a prescription antibiotic–steroid combination ointment used to reduce inflammation and treat bacterial eyelid or ocular surface conditions. It provides soothing relief while delivering medication directly to the eye overnight.

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How to Use

Apply a small ribbon of ointment into the lower lid sac at bedtime.
• Vision will be temporarily blurred after application — this is normal.
• (If vision does not blur, it usually means you didn’t get enough ointment into the eye.)

The Tranquileyes® mask provides controlled, moist heat to help soften and loosen the thickened oils inside the eyelid glands, supporting healthier tear production and long-term relief from dry eye symptoms.

Apply as directed for 10 minutes, then gently massage the closed eyelids with a warm washcloth as instructed.

Why?
Thickened, congested, or turbid oils inside the eyelid glands — the meibomian glands — are one of the main causes of dry eyes. These glands require heat to “liquefy” the thickened contents, allowing them to express the blocked material and restore a healthier, more stable tear film.

BRUDER Moist Heat Eye Compress provides consistent, gentle moist heat to help soften thickened oil in the meibomian glands and relieve symptoms of dry eye. Regular use supports healthier oil flow, improved tear stability, and greater eye comfort.

How to Use
Heat the compress according to package instructions and apply over closed eyes for 10 minutes. Gently massage the eyelids afterward as directed. Use once or twice daily, or as recommended by your provider.

Apply as directed for 10 minutes, then gently massage the closed eyelids with a warm washcloth as instructed.

Why?
Thickened, congested, or turbid oils inside the eyelid glands — called the meibomian glands — are one of the main causes of Dry Eye Disease. These glands need heat to help “liquefy” the thickened oils, allowing the glands to express the blocked material and support a healthier, more stable tear film.

EyePromise EZ Tears is a dietary supplement designed to provide fast-acting relief for dry, irritated eyes. It combines highly absorbable omega-3s with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and turmeric extract to reduce inflammation, support tear production, and promote a healthy tear film. Most patients notice improvement in comfort, moisture, and visual clarity within 2–4 weeks of consistent use.

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How to Use
• Take two softgels daily, preferably with food.
• Consistent daily use helps maintain long-term ocular surface health and comfort.

ProOmega 2000 is a high-strength omega-3 supplement designed to support tear production, eye surface hydration, and overall ocular health. Each serving delivers concentrated EPA and DHA from pure, sustainably sourced fish oil to reduce inflammation and promote long-term comfort for patients with dry eye or Meibomian gland dysfunction.

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How to Use
• Take two softgels daily, preferably with food.
• Consistent daily use provides the best results for eye and overall wellness.

Optase MGD Advanced Eye Drops are designed to support the oily (lipid) layer of the tear film, helping reduce tear evaporation and improve moisture retention for patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). These drops soothe dryness, irritation, and burning by reinforcing the tear film's stability and protecting the ocular surface.

How to Use
• Use 4 times daily (4×/day) or as directed by your provider.
• Wash your hands before applying.
• Tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid, and instill 1–2 drops per eye.
• Close your eyes for a few seconds to allow the drops to spread evenly.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the drops or wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.

SleepTite® and SleepRite® are daily nighttime eyelid-closure devices designed to help keep the eyelids fully closed during sleep. In patients with incomplete eyelid closure (nocturnal lagophthalmos), gaps between the lids can cause exposure, dryness, irritation, and disrupted tear stability overnight.

These gentle adhesive devices support proper lid positioning by holding the lids closed in a comfortable, secure way throughout the night. By reducing overnight exposure and preventing the cornea from drying out, SleepTite® and SleepRite® help improve morning comfort, reduce irritation, and support overall dry eye management.

Use nightly to maintain proper eyelid closure during sleep.

Lumify (Eye Whitening) is an over-the-counter redness-relief drop formulated with brimonidine 0.025%. It works by selectively constricting the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye, reducing redness without the rebound effect commonly seen with traditional whitening drops. Lumify helps your eyes appear brighter, clearer, and more refreshed within minutes, and the effect typically lasts up to 8 hours.

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How to Use
• Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 6–8 hours as needed.
• Do not exceed 4 doses per day.
• Remove contact lenses before use; wait 10 minutes before reinserting.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.

VITA-POS (Hylo Night) is a nighttime eye ointment enriched with Vitamin A to provide long-lasting lubrication and protection while you sleep. It helps relieve symptoms of severe dryness, exposure-related irritation, and nighttime discomfort by forming a smooth, protective barrier on the ocular surface. Ideal for patients with chronic dry eye, incomplete eyelid closure, or those who wake with dryness or burning.

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How to Use

Apply a small ribbon of ointment into the lower lid sac at bedtime.
• Vision will be temporarily blurred after application — this is normal.
• If blurring does not occur, it usually means you didn’t get enough ointment into the eye.

OCuSOFT Eyelid Cleanser is a gentle daily cleanser that removes bacteria, oil, debris, and allergens from the eyelids and lashes. It supports healthier eyelids for patients with dry eye, blepharitis, or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

How to Use
Use twice daily. With eyes closed, gently clean along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton pad, applicator, or clean fingertip. Rinse or leave on as directed.

We Love Eyes Daily Eyelid Cleanser is a gentle, plant-based cleanser designed to remove bacteria, oil, debris, and makeup residue from the eyelids and lashes. It helps maintain a clean, balanced eyelid environment to support comfort and reduce symptoms related to dry eye, blepharitis, and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Safe for daily use—even on sensitive skin—it promotes healthier eyelids and a more stable tear film.

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How to Use

Use twice daily (2× day).
• Apply a small amount of cleanser to a cotton pad, lint-free applicator, or clean fingertip.
• With eyes closed, gently cleanse along the eyelid margins and lash lines.
• Rinse if directed on the specific product instructions (most formulas do not require rinsing).

Zocular Daily Eyelid Cleanser is a gentle, soothing cleanser designed to remove bacteria, oil, debris, and makeup residue from the eyelids and lashes. Formulated for patients with dry eye, blepharitis, and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), it supports healthier eyelids and a more stable tear film. Safe for daily use—even on sensitive skin—it helps maintain long-term eyelid comfort and hygiene.

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How to Use

Use twice daily (2× day).
• Apply a small amount to a cotton pad, applicator, or clean fingertip.
• With eyes closed, gently cleanse along the eyelid margins and lash lines.
• Rinse or leave on depending on the specific product directions.

Hypochlorous Spray is a gentle, non-stinging eyelid and lash cleanser made with pure hypochlorous acid (HOCl). It helps remove bacteria, debris, and excess oils that contribute to dry eye, blepharitis, and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Safe for daily use—even on sensitive skin—it supports clean, healthy eyelids and long-term ocular comfort.

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How to Use

Use twice daily (2× day).
• Close your eyes and spray 2–3 pumps directly onto the eyelids and lashes,
or spray onto a cotton pad/gauze and gently wipe along the lash lines.
• Allow to air dry — do not rinse.

1. Avoid pro-inflammatory foods, such as highly processed starches and foods high in sugar. Consider an Anti-Inflammatory Diet if symptoms are severe (consult with your PCP).
2. Stay well hydrated.
3. Alcohol is pro-inflammatory. Decrease or avoid alcohol when possible.
4. Avoid ceiling fans while sleeping (or wear a sleep mask).
5. CPAP users: ensure the mask is fully airtight. Use non-irritating tape if needed to secure leaks.
6. Makeup hygiene: makeup containers often harbor harmful bacteria. Replace eye makeup every 3 months and use a quality eyelid cleanser daily.
7. Certain over-the-counter medications—such as antihistamines—can cause dryness. Limit use when possible, or increase artificial tear use while taking them.

1. Titanium Dioxide
2. Carbon Black
3. Ethanolamine Compounds (e.g., DEA, TEA, MEA)
4. Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK)
5. Prime Yellow Carnauba Wax
6. Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents
• quaternium-15
• DMDM hydantoin
• urea compounds
7. Parabens
8. Aluminum Powder
9. Retinyl Acetate / Retinyl Palmitate
10. Heavy Metals such as Nickel and Chrome