Demodex Blepharitis
Demodex mites are a leading cause of blepharitis in the United States, which is characterized by inflammation of the eyelid.2,4
The prevalence of Demodex blepharitis in the United States may be as high as 25 million.1,5
Published literature shows that at least 45 million people visit eye care clinics annually. 58% of patients presenting at eye care offices have collarettes, a pathognomonic sign of Demodex blepharitis.1,5,6
In a clinical study, the majority of patients experienced2:
- Signs and symptoms for >4 years
- Their top symptoms of itchy eyes or dryness either frequently or all the time
When asked how Demodex blepharitis affects their daily lives, most patients reported3:
- Difficulty wearing makeup
- Constantly worrying about their eyes
- Difficulty driving at night
- Negative appearance of eyes or eyelids
Learn how Demodex mites cause blepharitis
Demodex blepharitis is caused by an infestation of Demodex mites, the most common ectoparasite found on humans. There are two species of Demodex—D folliculorum and D brevis—that live on the skin of the face and eyelids.
Demodex
folliculorum
Demodex brevis
Demodex blepharitis can be confidently diagnosed by looking for collarettes. Simply have patients look down during a routine eye exam to check for collarettes on the upper lid margin.
Published literature has shown that 100% of patients with collarettes have Demodex blepharitis.6
Collarettes are frequently found in various patient groups1,7
In a clinical study of 1032 patients1,7:
References:
1. Sadri E, Yeu E, Trattler W, Holdbrook M, Baba S. The prevalence of collarettes and Demodex blepharitis in ophthalmology and optometry practices. Presented at: ASCRS 2021. Abstract 75009. 2. Schachter S, Yeu E, Holdbrook M, Baba S, Gomes PJ. Clinical manifestations of Demodex blepharitis. Presented at: ARVO 2021. Abstract 3546575. 3. Yeu E, Holdbrook M, Baba S, Gomes PJ. Psychosocial impact of Demodex blepharitis. Presented at: ARVO 2021. Abstract 3544849. 4. Boyd K. What is blepharitis? American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published June 30, 2021. Accessed July 8, 2021. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-blepharitis 5. Wilson FA, Stimpson JP, Wang Y. Inconsistencies exist in the national estimates of eye care services utilization in the United States. J Ophthalmol. doi:10.1155/2015/435606. 6. Gao YY, Di Pascuale MA, Li W, et al. High prevalence of Demodex in eyelashes with cylindrical dandruff. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005;46(9):3089-3094. 7. Data on file. Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2021.
