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Review
. 2018 Jul 4:10:57-63.
doi: 10.2147/OPTO.S142708. eCollection 2018.

Demodex blepharitis: clinical perspectives

Stephanie R Fromstein  1 , Jennifer S Harthan  1 , Jaymeni Patel  1 , Dominick L Opitz  1
Affiliations
Review

Demodex blepharitis: clinical perspectives

Stephanie R Fromstein et al. Clin Optom (Auckl). .

Abstract

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are two mites which infest the human eye and which may, in excess, lead to a wide range of anterior segment findings. Demodex mites have been implicated in anterior and posterior blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, blepharokeratitis, and beyond. Due to significant overlap with other anterior segment conditions, Demodex infestation remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Definitive diagnosis can be made with lash sampling, and the most common mode of treatment is with tea tree oil in varying concentrations. This article summarizes elements of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management critical to clinical care of this common condition.

Keywords: Demodex brevis; Demodex folliculorum; blepharitis; blepharoconjunctivitis; meibomian gland dysfunction; ocular rosacea.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Jennifer S Harthan serves as a consultant and advisory board member for Allergan and Shire Pharmaceuticals, key opinion leader for SynergEyes, and consultant and lecturer for Metro Optics. Dominick L Opitz serves as a consultant for Shire Pharmaceuticals and as a speaker and consultant for Bausch + Lomb. Stephanie R Fromstein and Jaymeni Patel report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Example of a patient with Demodex folliculorum. Note the cylindrical dandruff at the base of the eyelashes which are pathognomonic of demodicosis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Another example of a patient with demodicosis and cylindrical dandruff caused by Demodex folliculorum.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Microscope photograph of an epilated eye lash showing Demodex folliculorum. Photography courtesy of Scott Hauswirth, OD.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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