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Yikes! You don’t want to think about or see the tiny cigar-shaped bugs that gather at the base of your eyelashes, yet they’re there. The good news: Eyelash mites are common and just want to eat some dead skin cells and a bit of the cells’ oil. In fact, eyelash mites act as a natural cleaning system! The bad news: They’re usually harmless unless you have too many of them.
At the office of Palisade Eye, patients step into a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. We ensure that your visit will be pleasant from the moment you walk in. The health of your eyesis our priority, and we want to be your trusted partner.
Eyelash mites, also called demodex, are microscopic creatures that live on your lashes. They are only about a third of a millimeter long and transparent, making them invisible to the naked eye. While typically harmless, an overabundance can lead to problems.
The eyelid area is surrounded by parts of your face that protrude more, such as your nose and eyebrows, which can make it harder to keep clean, allowing mites to thrive. Older adults, caregivers and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to have issues with eyelash mites.
Excessive mites can irritate the eyelids, carry bacteria, leave waste products, block oil passages and cause dandruff-like buildup at the lash base. They can also loosen lashes or make them grow incorrectly. Symptoms include itching, burning, crusty or red eyelid edges, eye pain, blurry vision and unexplained tearing.
An optometrist diagnoses mite-related issues by examining your eyelids for redness, swelling or tube-like dandruff. A slit lamp microscope may reveal mites, eggs or larvae on lashes. He’ll also rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment isn’t always necessary, but severe cases can be tough to manage. Over-the-counter eyelid scrubs might not suffice. An optometrist may suggest tea tree oil diluted with cleansers to wipe closed eyelids. Creams or ointments containing sulfur, permethrin or ivermectin can also help by being applied to lash bases.
To prevent excessive mites, maintain good hygiene. Wash your face, hair, towels and sheets regularly with soap and hot water to effectively reduce mite populations.
Choose Palisade Eye as your optometrist to experience the difference in personalized, high-quality care that prioritizes your well-being. We enjoy getting to know our patients and establishing positive relationships with them. Please don’t hesitate to call us for an appointment.
By Palisade Eye
February 3, 2025
