From the Guidelines
Eye mites, specifically Demodex mites, are typically acquired through direct contact with another person who has them or through shared items like bedding, towels, or makeup, as supported by the most recent study 1. These microscopic parasites naturally live on human skin, particularly around hair follicles and oil glands on the face. Most people acquire them gradually throughout life, with nearly everyone having some by older adulthood. Factors that increase your risk include:
- Poor facial hygiene
- Excessive oil production on the skin
- Weakened immune system
- Rosacea The mites are more likely to cause problems when they multiply excessively, which can happen if you don't wash your face regularly, share cosmetics, or have close physical contact with someone who has a high mite population. While complete prevention is difficult since these mites are common, maintaining good hygiene by:
- Washing your face twice daily
- Regularly cleaning pillowcases and towels
- Avoiding sharing personal items
- Removing makeup before sleeping can help control their numbers and prevent potential issues like blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), as indicated by the strong positive correlation between the severity of ocular surface discomfort and the number of Demodex per cilia 1.
From the Research
Causes of Eye Mites
- Eye mites, also known as Demodex mites, are a common cause of blepharitis and can contribute to the development of ocular symptoms such as redness, dryness, and discomfort 2.
- The primary cause of Demodex blepharitis is the infestation of two types of Demodex mites: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis 3.
- Risk factors for Demodex blepharitis include increasing age, rosacea, and diabetes 2.
Transmission of Eye Mites
- The exact mechanism of transmission of Demodex mites is not well understood, but it is thought to occur through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects 2.
- Demodex mites can also be found on the skin and in the hair of infected individuals, which can lead to transmission through close contact or sharing of personal items 3.
Prevalence of Eye Mites
- Demodex blepharitis is a common condition, affecting approximately 25 million Americans 2.
- The prevalence of Demodex mites among adults is not well established, but it is thought to be high, with some studies suggesting that up to 80% of adults may be infested with Demodex mites at some point in their lives 3.