Opinion
Video
Understanding Demodex Blepharitis Pathogenesis
Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD; discusses the importance of understanding the pathogenesis of Demodex blepharitis to reach a proper diagnosis.
This is a video synopsis/summary of an Insights involving Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD.
Demodex is a very common eyelash mite found in most USpatients, causing blepharitis and inflammation. Many clinicians and patients are unaware of Demodex’s significant role in ocular surface disease. Educating patients about this chronic parasite is important because its role is often misunderstood.
For decades, clinicians thought Demodex was harmless. It is now knownthat blepharitis is overwhelmingly associated with Demodexinfestation. When seeing infected patients, Donnenfeld explains how eradicating Demodexcan improve their ocular surface disease.
Demodex blepharitis causes eyelid inflammation, redness, and occlusion, but patients cannot self-diagnose. Eye care professionals diagnose it readily by looking for pathognomonic cylindrical plugs called collarettes on eyelashes. Healthcare professionals must recognize collarettes indicatingDemodex blepharitis and look for them.
Previously, Demodex’s role was misunderstood and no FDA-approved treatments existed. Now an effective approved medication manages Demodex, improving ocular disease. All eye care professionals should understand Demodex’s role in blepharitis and test for it routinely.
Video synopsis is AIgenerated and reviewed by AJMC® editorial staff.
