Challenges and unmet needs in Demodex blepharitis management highlighted at ASCRS 2024

Demodex blepharitis (DB) presents significant challenges for patients, as evidenced by the persistence of multiple symptoms despite current management strategies, according to a study presented at ASCRS 2024 highlighting the need for more effective treatments to address the burdensome symptoms associated with DB and improve patient outcomes.

Conducted as an ongoing, real-world, multicenter registry study, researchers enrolled patients aged 18 to 85 years with a diagnosis of DB for at least 1 month. Patients were asked to complete web-based surveys at various intervals over the course of 12 months. Additionally, clinicians provided assessments and completed surveys on disease management.

The most common symptoms reported by patients included dryness of the eyes throughout the day (64%), itchy eyes/eyelids (51%), and a foreign body sensation (51%). Other prevalent symptoms included crusted eyes/eyelashes (48%), burning or stinging (46%), redness of eyes (45%), and watery eyes (43%).

The study highlighted the current management options utilized by patients to alleviate DB symptoms. These included warm compresses (45%), tea tree oil-eyelid wipes/cleansers (43%), lubricating eye drops/artificial tears (33%), and at-home eyelid wipes/washes (27%).

Despite these management efforts, the study found that many patients continued to experience multiple symptoms associated with DB.

These findings underscore the importance of continued research and innovation in the management of Demodex blepharitis to better meet the needs of affected individuals and improve their quality of life.

Reference
Yeu E, et al. Longitudinal Evaluation of Disease Burden and Treatment Efficacy in Patients with Demodex blepharitis: Early Registry Study Results. Presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting 2024.