From the Guidelines
Eye mites, specifically Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, are not directly contagious in the classical sense, but they can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or by sharing items like towels, pillowcases, or makeup. The presence of these mites has been found in a significant percentage of patients without blepharitis, as well as in healthy children, suggesting that they are common inhabitants of the human eye and face 1. However, patients with recalcitrant blepharitis have responded to therapy directed at decreasing or eradicating the Demodex mites, indicating that these mites can contribute to ocular discomfort 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Demodex folliculorum has been found in 30% to 68% of patients with chronic blepharitis, especially older patients 1
- Both Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis have been found in 12% of healthy children, but the children did not have a greater incidence of ocular discomfort 1
- Eyelashes with cylindrical dandruff or sleeves at the eyelash base are reported to be a sign of ocular Demodex infestation 1
- The severity of ocular surface discomfort has a strong positive correlation with the number of Demodex per cilia 1
To manage Demodex infestations, daily eyelid hygiene with commercial lid scrubs containing tea tree oil or prescription medications like metronidazole cream may be recommended. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe ivermectin tablets or topical permethrin. Preventive measures, such as avoiding sharing personal items, washing bedding and towels in hot water regularly, and discarding eye makeup after an infestation, can also help reduce the risk of transmission 1.
From the Research
Contagiousness of Eye Mites
- The contagiousness of eye mites, specifically Demodex mites, is not directly addressed in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it can be inferred that Demodex mites are not highly contagious, as they are commonly found in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals 5.
- The studies focus on the treatment and management of Demodex blepharitis, suggesting that the primary concern is the infestation itself rather than the risk of transmission to others.
Transmission and Infestation
- Demodex mites are microscopic parasites that live around hair follicles or sebaceous glands and may cause chronic blepharitis 2.
- The mites can inhabit the human eyelid, with two species confirmed: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis 5.
- The diagnosis of Demodex blepharitis can be suspected by the presence of cylindrical dandruff at the base of the eyelash and confirmed by light microscopy of an epilated lash or by in vivo confocal microscopy 5.