Higher Demodex mite burden may be linked to impaired tear film quality in patients with blepharitis, according to a retrospective analysis presented at the Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting.
Investigators reviewed 200 patients diagnosed with blepharitis and cylindrical dandruff. Each patient underwent eyelash sampling to calculate a Demodex infestation index, defined as the mean number of mites per lash, along with comprehensive ocular surface testing.
The mean infestation index was 1.19 ± 1.36 mites per lash, with 78% of patients testing positive for Demodex. No significant associations were found between infestation levels and tear meniscus height, meibomian gland dropout, or non-invasive tear break-up time. However, multivariable analysis identified higher Demodex burden as an independent predictor of reduced lipid layer thickness (OR 1.3; 95% CI, 1.03–1.62).
the presenter noted that prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm these results.
Reference
Cartes CA, et al. Association between Demodex Infestation Index and Ocular Surface Parameters in Patients with Blepharitis. Poster presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 10–13, Washington, DC.
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