If your eyes feel gritty, crusty or irritated, especially first thing in the morning, a build-up of debris along your eyelid margins could be contributing to your symptoms. This build-up is commonly linked to blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), two leading causes of dry eye.
When the eyelid margins are not clean and healthy, the tiny oil glands in your eyelids cannot function properly. This means your tears evaporate more quickly, leading to irritation, dryness and fluctuating vision.
At Leightons, we offer NuLids and BlephEx, professional in-practice eyelid exfoliation treatments designed to deeply cleanse the eyelid margins and gently massage the meibomian glands.
NuLids and BlephEx are advanced eyelid exfoliation treatments performed by trained optometrists. Both use a specialised device to clean the eyelashes and eyelid margins, helping to manage blepharitis and improve dry eye symptoms.
While cleaning the eyelid margins, both treatments also gently massage the meibomian glands. This encourages the release of natural oils that thicken and stabilise your tear layer, helping prevent dry eye and improve visual clarity.
Both treatments aim to:
Most patients notice their eyelids feel lighter, cleaner and more comfortable immediately after treatment.
Your optometrist may recommend eyelid exfoliation during your dry eye assessment, a separate appointment designed to identify the type and severity of your dry eye. According to your symptoms, NuLids or BlephEx may be recommended as part of your personalised treatment plan. Here’s what to expect during the treatment appointment:
This treatment may be suitable if you experience:
For many patients, eyelid exfoliation becomes an important part of ongoing dry eye management.
Blepharitis causes inflammation and debris to build up along the eyelid margins. Over time, this blocks the meibomian glands and prevents them from releasing the protective oils your tears need.
Professional eyelid exfoliation breaks this cycle. By clearing the build-up and stimulating the glands, NuLids and BlephEx help restore healthier tear function and improve comfort.
At Leightons, dry eye care is never one-size-fits-all.
Our experienced optometrists carry out detailed dry eye assessments to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. We focus not just on short-term relief, but on restoring long-term eyelid and tear health.
You’ll receive:
We are here to help you feel comfortable and confident again.
The cost of NuLids or BlephEx treatment is £99, with a 20% discount for MyLeightons members.
This includes:
There are no hidden fees, just clear guidance and tailored support.
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