What Is Demodex?



How Can Demodex be Transmitted?


What Are The Types of Demodex?

There are two existing types of Demodex mites: the longer kind, Demodex folliculorum, which live in the hair follicles and the short ones, Demodex Brevis, which live in the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin.

What Are The Symptoms of Demodex?

In the early stages, there are often no noticeable symptoms, but if left untreated Demodex can progress. Symptoms vary among patients and may include dry eye, red eyes, severe itching along the eyelid margin and eyebrow especially in the morning, eyelid irritation, burning sensation, foreign body sensation that seems to originate beneath the eyelids, heavy lid, and blurry vision. One of the earliest signs of mite infestation is cylindrical dandruff (CD), which is an accumulation of fine, waxy, dry debris that collects at the base of the lash and extends up to 2 mm along the length of the lashes and is most noticeable on the upper lashes.

How Is Demodex Diagnosed?

Demodex mites can be diagnosed by slit-lamp evaluation or carefully removing and viewing an epilated eyelash under the microscope.

How Is Demodex Treated?

Initial treatment involves an in-office lid scrub/débridement. In the beginning, a drop or two of long-lasting anesthetic is instilled. Then the lashes and eyebrows are thoroughly débrided. Next, an antibiotic/steroid ointment is applied to help keep the mites from moving and possibly suffocate them. The steroid also helps in calming down the inflammation secondary to the chemical and mechanical irritation of the in-office treatment, in addition to suppressing any possible inflammatory cascade associated with the decaying mites. The patient should return in 2 weeks for repeating the in-office treatment.

What Are The Instructions for Patients with Demodex?




  • Scrub the eyelids with a mild (baby) shampoo.


  • Avoid oil-based cleansers and greasy makeup, oily cleansers, lotions, and sunscreens which can provide further &quot;food&quot; for the mites.

