Demodex Blepharitis
Demodex mites are associated with over 2/3 of blepharitis cases in the US, which are characterized by eyelid inflammation, redness, and irritation.2,4
According to published literature, of the 45 million people who visit eye care clinics annually, 58% have collarettes, a pathognomonic sign of Demodex blepharitis.
There are
~25 millionpeople with Demodex blepharitis1,5,6
Collarettes can be frequently found in common patient groups1,7
Titan study: a large-scale retrospective chart review of an all-comer population across 7 US sites examining the presence of collarettes and other characteristics
(N=1037)
Blepharitis
w/Demodex
Diagnosed
Dry Eye Rx
Patients
With Demodex
Cataract
Patients
With Demodex
Contact Lens
Intolerant Patients
With Demodex
Demodex
Patients Visiting
Eye Doctors
Blepharitis
w/Demodex
Diagnosed
Dry Eye Rx
Patients
With Demodex
Cataract
Patients
With Demodex
Contact Lens
Intolerant Patients
With Demodex
Demodex
Patients Visiting
Eye Doctors
In the Atlas study, the majority of patients experienced2:
- Signs and symptoms for >4 years
- Top symptoms of itchy eyes or dryness either frequently or all the time
- 58% of patients were never diagnosed with Demodex blepharitis
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 during a routine slit lamp exam. When present, collarettes are easily seen along the lash line of the upper lid margin when your patient looks down.
Published literature has shown that 100% of patients with collarettes have Demodex blepharitis.6
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. May 2021.
