Blepharitis occurs when crusty or flakey debris builds up on the eyelashes promoting bacterial growth. Blepharitis results in red, itchy, swollen eyelids and can result in inflammation that contributes to dry eye symptoms. Demodex are mites which live in the eyelash follicles. These mites excrete debris which builds up at the base of the eyelashes. Zest treatments exfoliate the debris, bacteria and mites resulting in reduced inflammation, lid irritation and dry eye.