Ophthalmic Manifestations of Demodex Spp. Infection: What Should a Dermatologist Know?

Ocular demodecosis, caused by Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis mites, affected the eyelash follicles and meibomian glands, respectively. The pathogenic role of these mites was debated, but they were considered a potential cause of various eye-related issues, such as blepharitis, tear film disorders, and corneal lesions. Symptoms included decreased visual acuity, itching, dry eyes, foreign body sensation, and recurrent styes. Diagnosis was typically performed through microscopic examination of epilated eyelashes, but there were no standardized treatment protocols for ocular demodecosis.