Demodex blepharitis is common yet often overlooked, seen in about 54% of European eyecare patients.*1,2 In this short video, take a closer look at what Demodex mites can do at the lid margin3 and why a consistent slit lamp routine that includes a Demodex check for every patient, by looking for collarettes (the cylindrical, waxy debris at the lash base),4 can bring overlooked Demodex blepharitis into clearer view.
Demodex blepharitis can contribute to lash abnormalities, lid and ocular surface inflammation, and fluctuating vision, impacting patients’ daily life.3 In this video, you’ll see how Demodex overgrowth can create a cascade of damage and inflammation,4 and why collarettes at the lash base are a key diagnostic clue.5 A quick, consistent check for collarettes during slit lamp examination can help you take the next step toward identifying Demodex blepharitis with confidence.4
Transcript
0:00 – Demodex blepharitis is a serious lid margin disease that can lead to lash abnormalities, inflammation of the eye and eyelid, and blurred vision.
0:09 – 80% of Demodex blepharitis patients surveyed reported that it negatively impacts their daily life.
0:15 – The disease is characterized by debris on the eyelashes, redness, irritation, inflammation, itching, and dryness.
0:23 – It is a common, yet often overlooked or misdiagnosed disease seen in about 58% of eye care patients or as many as 25,000,000 patients in the US.
0:34 – Demodex blepharitis can be confidently diagnosed by looking for collarettes.
0:38 – Simply start each slit lamp exam by asking patients to look down while you check for collarettes on the upper lid margin.
0:45 – Collarettes are cylindrical, waxy debris typically found at the base of the eyelash.
0:50 – Studies show that 100% of blepharitis patients with collarettes have Demodex mites.
0:56 – Demodex mites are the most common ectoparasites found on humans, and overgrowth of mites can quickly lead to blepharitis.
1:03 – In fact, Demodex mites are the leading cause of blepharitis, accounting for over 2/3 of cases.
1:10 – The most common species of Demodex mite, Demodex folliculorum, inhabits the eyelash follicles where it burrows into the epithelial cell lining, chemically digests the oily sebum deep in the follicle, and carries harmful bacteria causing redness, irritation, inflammation, itching and dryness.
1:28 – As the mites proliferate, this tissue damage and blockage of the follicles lead to follicular distension, misdirected lashes, and thinning or loss of lashes.
1:37 – The partially digested epithelial cells, keratin, mite, waste and eggs combine to form collarettes.
1:45 – Collarettes are the pathognomonic sign of Demodex blepharitis, which means their presence can be used to confidently diagnose this highly prevalent disease.
1:54 – The smaller species of mite, Demodex brevis, prefers the rich meibum in the meibomian glands, which are responsible for maintaining the lipid layer of the tear film.
2:03 – Blockage of these glands can lead to meibomian gland disease, which is the leading cause of dry eye.
