Nearly half of eye care providers show Demodex infestation, with severity increasing over time in practice
A new study presented at the Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting highlights the potential occupational exposure and transmission risk of Demodex infestation among eye care providers. Nearly half of ophthalmologists and ophthalmic technicians evaluated had evidence of Demodex infestation.
Demodex infestation was defined as the presence of collarettes graded at least +2 in either eye.
Among 19 participants, most were female (79%) and ophthalmic technicians (68%), with a mean age of 30 years and an average of 1.5 years in ophthalmic care. The mean blepharitis symptom questionnaire score was 9, and the mean examination score was also 9. Demodex infestation was identified in 9 participants (47%).
Infestation was significantly associated with male sex, eyelid erythema, and poor meibum quality. Greater time in ophthalmic care was also associated with increasing age, more severe collarettes, erythema, reduced meibomian gland expressibility, and poorer meibum quality.
The presenter stressed the need for greater awareness of personal infestation and the risk of transmission.
Reference
August AH, et al. Demodex Infestation Among Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmic Technicians. Poster presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 10–13, Washington, DC.
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