Demodex blepharitis (DB) and its symptoms
It’s more common than you think
It’s estimated that Demodex blepharitis (DB) affects approximately 25 million eye care patients in the US.1,2 That’s 1 out of every 12 adults. Demodex blepharitis may be commonly misdiagnosed since other eye diseases share similar symptoms.1,3 So you could be living with it without even knowing.
It’s an overgrowth of mites
Microscopic mites can exist on anyone’s body. When mite populations begin to grow out of control, they become infestations. These types of infestations commonly grow in and around the eyelids. This overgrowth of mites often leads to Demodex blepharitis. The type of mites that cause DB are specific to humans, so spread from household pets isn’t expected.4,5
Common signs and symptoms of Demodex blepharitis
- Eyelid redness
- Dry eye
- Itching along the
base of the eyelid - Missing or misdirected eyelashes
- Swelling/inflammation
- Crusty flake buildup (collarettes) on the eyelashes
Collarettes on the eyelashes are a clear sign of Demodex blepharitis. 100% of patients with this crusty flake buildup have Demodex blepharitis.1,6
Feeling discomfort? You’re not alone
Patients with Demodex blepharitis commonly experience worries as well as disruptions in their daily life, which can include2:
- Negative appearance
of eyes or eyelids - Feeling conscious of
eyes throughout the day - Constantly worrying about eyes
DB resources for you
There are resources to help you better understand DB, how it affects eyelid health, and what you can do next. You can download a useful DB brochure with additional information about symptoms and a checklist to help guide your discussion with an eye doctor.
Demodexblepharitis: the full story
Here’s what you need to know about Demodex blepharitis and what you should do if you think you’ve got it.
1. Trattler W, Karpecki P, Rapoport Y, et al. The prevalence of Demodex blepharitis in US eye care clinic patients as determined by collarettes: a pathognomonic sign. Clin Ophthalmol. 2022;16:1153–1164.
2. O’Dell L, Dierker DS, Devries DK, et al. Psychosocial impact of Demodex blepharitis. Clin Ophthalmol. 2022;16:2979-2987.
3. Fromstein SR, Harthan JS, Patel J, Opitz DL. Demodex blepharitis: clinical perspectives. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2018;10:57–63.
4. Liu J, Sheha H, Tseng SCG. Pathogenic role of Demodex mites in blepharitis. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;10(5):505-510.
5. Bitton E, Aumond S. Demodex and eye disease: a review. Clin Exp Optom. 2020;46(9):1-9.
6. Gao YY, Di Pascuale MA, Li W, et al. High prevalence of Demodex in eyelashes with cylindrical dandruff. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005;46(9):3089-3094.
