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Diagnosing Demodex Blepharitis in Clinical Practice
Key questions to ask patients during diagnosis of Demodex blepharitis to identify signs and symptoms of the condition are covered by Dr. Yeu.
Yeu evaluates all patients for lid margin disease and blepharitis as these can impact surgical outcomes. She notes that Demodex blepharitis causes over 70% of blepharitis cases. Her staff screen for symptoms such as fluctuating vision, lid redness, and itching. Itching was previously attributed to allergies but she states that over half of patients with Demodex blepharitis report itching across the lid. Other key diagnostics include evaluating the meibography to check baseline gland structure and performing a slit lamp exam. Having patients gaze downward serves a dual purpose––it allows examination for the pathognomonic sign of translucent waxy debris from demodex follicular overgrowth, while also letting patients adjust to the bright slit lamp light, which can be uncomfortable especially for those with cataracts. In summary, Yeu thoroughly evaluates for Demodex blepharitis prior to ocular surgery, using screening questions and a focused slit lamp exam technique to diagnose this extremely common cause of lid inflammation. Proper preoperative treatment can then optimize surgical outcomes.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMCÒ editorial staff.
