Double-Blind Comparison of Eyelash Epilation Techniques for the Purpose of Demodex folliculorum Mite Retrieval.

OBJECTIVE: Demodex folliculorum blepharitis is typically confirmed with lash epilation and microscopic identification of mites. However, mite counts may vary with the epilation technique. As there is no gold standard to epilating lashes for the purposes of mite counts, the aim of this study was to compare three epilation techniques. METHOD: A prospective randomized double-blind study compared three epilation techniques on lashes with cylindrical dandruff. Techniques included (A) direct pulling of the lash; (B) rotating the lash before epilation; and (C) sliding the cylindrical dandruff away, lash rotation, and epilation. Mean mite counts were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Forty (n=40) participants (20 M: 20 F, mean age of 62.3±17.1 years) revealed similar mite counts between right (1.43±1.74) and left (1.35±1.59) eyes ( P =0.63). A significant difference ( P =0.03) in mite count was noted (technique A: 1.05 ± 1.60; technique B 1.76 ± 1.80; and technique C 1.36 ± 1.54) with technique B yielding the highest mite count ( P =0.04). CONCLUSION: Demodex mite count is a key parameter in establishing infestation or to determine treatment efficacy. This study revealed that rotating the lash before epilation yielded the highest mite count. Future studies should report the epilation technique used to allow for study comparisons.

The Use of Digital PCR for the Diagnosis of Demodex Blepharitis.

PURPOSE: This was a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of digital polymerase chain reaction detection of Demodex in eyelid margin swabs for the diagnosis of Demodex blepharitis. This study aims to explore the possibility of digital polymerase chain reaction detection to improve the diagnostic accuracy of Demodex blepharitis detection. METHODS: Volunteers were prospectively recruited and classified by experienced doctors into suspected Demodex blepharitis or healthy controls using slit-lamp evaluation of the eyelid margin and an inquiry about symptoms. Three eyelashes from each eyelid were epilated from participants in each group for microscopic observation and mite counting. Then, swabs from the eyelid margins of each eye were collected after the eyelashes were epilated and stored at -80 °C for future DNA extraction and digital polymerase chain reaction detection. The positive or negative results of both methods were compared for diagnostic accuracy, and the Kappa value was also calculated to evaluate their consistency. RESULTS: The accuracy of the digital polymerase chain reaction detection was 71.6% and that of the mite counting method was 75%. Their combined accuracy was improved to 77.3%. The Kappa value of the two methods was 0.505, indicating moderate consistency. CONCLUSION: Digital polymerase chain reaction detection of Demodex from ocular surface swabs was painless and noninvasive and is a potentially accurate quantitative method available for diagnosing Demodex blepharitis. This method is also complementary to the conventional mite counting method, particularly when a sufficient number of eyelashes cannot be effectively epilated.

Comorbidity of Ocular and Facial Demodicosis.

PURPOSE: To determine the association between ocular and facial demodicosis, and the effect of facial treatment on ocular demodicosis. DESIGN: Prospective clinical cohort study. METHODS: Ocular demodicosis outpatients from a tertiary medical center were enrolled from April to December 2020. The diagnosis was based on epilation of 4 eyelashes from each upper eyelid. High ocular Demodex load (ODL) was defined as ≥8 mites per eye. Facial infestation was assessed by direct microscopic examination, with facial Demodex overgrowth (FDO) defined as a density >5 mites/cm2. All patients were prescribed 3 months of ocular treatment, and FDO patients received dermatologic treatment. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were enrolled. Among those that completed the treatment course, 39 presented high ODL. Lower cylindrical sleeve counts were found in low ODL patients (low ODL vs high ODL: 8 vs 14, P = .009). FDO was less prevalent in this group (49% vs 77%, P = .012). The Ocular Surface Disease Index score decreased in patients without FDO (20.0 ± 17.1 to 14.0 ± 16.6, P = .027) after 3 months of topical tea tree oil treatment. Topical ivermectin treatment on the facial skin provided a higher ocular Demodex eradication rate in FDO patients (76% vs 16%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Concurrence of ocular and facial demodicosis is common, especially in cases of severe ocular demodicosis. Although ocular treatment alone is effective for patients with ocular demodicosis only, cotreatment with topical ivermectin on the facial skin enhances ocular Demodex eradication in patients with comorbid facial Demodex overgrowth.

Demodex Blepharitis: A Comprehensive Review of the Disease, Current Management, and Emerging Therapies.

ABSTRACT: Demodex blepharitis is a common disease of the eyelid, affecting approximately 25 million Americans. This article reviews what is known about the mechanisms and impact of Demodex blepharitis, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnostic techniques, current management options, and emerging treatments. Demodex mites contribute to blepharitis in several ways: direct mechanical damage, as a vector for bacteria, and by inducing hypersensitivity and inflammation. Risk factors for Demodex blepharitis include increasing age, rosacea, and diabetes. The costs, symptom burden, and psychosocial effects of Demodex blepharitis are considerable. The presence of collarettes is pathognomonic for Demodex blepharitis. Redness, dryness, discomfort, foreign body sensation, lash anomalies, and itching are also hallmarks of the disease. Although a number of oral, topical, eyelid hygiene and device-based options have been used clinically and evaluated in studies for the management of Demodex blepharitis, none have been FDA approved to treat the disease. Recent randomized controlled clinical trials suggest that lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25%, is a topical treatment with the potential to eradicate Demodex mites and eliminate collarettes and eyelid redness for an extended period.

Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution 0.25% for Demodex Blepharitis: Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled, Multicenter, Phase 3 Trial (Saturn-2).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% compared with vehicle for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, multicenter, phase 3 clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred twelve patients with Demodex blepharitis were assigned randomly in a 1:1 ratio to receive either lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% (study group) or vehicle without lotilaner (control group). METHODS: Patients with Demodex blepharitis treated at 21 United States clinical sites were assigned either to the study group (n = 203) to receive lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% or to the control group (n = 209) to receive vehicle without lotilaner bilaterally twice daily for 6 weeks. Collarettes and erythema were graded for each eyelid at screening and at all visits after baseline. At screening and on days 15, 22, and 43, 4 or more eyelashes were epilated from each eye, and the number of Demodex mites present on the lashes was counted with a microscope. Mite density was calculated as the number of mites per lash. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included collarette cure (collarette grade 0), clinically meaningful collarette reduction to 10 collarettes or fewer (grade 0 or 1), mite eradication (0 mites/lash), erythema cure (grade 0), composite cure (grade 0 for collarettes as well as erythema), compliance with the drop regimen, drop comfort, and adverse events. RESULTS: At day 43, the study group achieved a statistically significant (P < 0.0001) higher proportion of patients with collarette cure (56.0% vs. 12.5%), clinically meaningful collarette reduction to 10 collarettes or fewer (89.1% vs. 33.0%), mite eradication (51.8% vs. 14.6%), erythema cure (31.1% vs. 9.0%), and composite cure (19.2% vs. 4.0%) than the control group. High compliance with the drop regimen (mean ± standard deviation, 98.7 ± 5.3%) in the study group was observed, and 90.7% of patients found the drops to be neutral to very comfortable. CONCLUSIONS: Twice-daily treatment with lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% for 6 weeks generally was safe and well tolerated and met the primary end point and all secondary end points for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis compared with vehicle control. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Diagnosis and treatment of filamentary keratitis in a patient with Demodex infestation--an overlooked risk factor: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Filamentary keratitis is an ocular condition that is tricky to handle for the difficulty to find the underlying cause. Here we report a case of filamentary keratitis associated with Demodex infestation which highlights the importance of Demodex mites as an easily-overlooked risk factor. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old woman had recurrent symptoms of foreign body sensation and sometimes painful feelings in her left eye soon after her surgical correction of ptosis in this eye. She was then diagnosed as conjunctivitis and given antibiotic eye drops. After one week, the patient complained of aggravation of symptoms with small corneal filaments in the left eye under slit-lamp examination. Despite the removal of filaments and addition of topical corticosteroids and bandage contact lenses, the patient's condition persisted with enlarged filaments and severe ocular discomfort. 3 days later, eyelashes with cylindrical dandruff were noticed and Demodex infestation was confirmed by microscopic examination of these eyelashes at our clinic this time. She was asked to use tea tree oil lid scrub twice daily. After 3 weeks, her filamentary keratitis was resolved with a dramatic improvement in symptoms and signs. And no recurrence of filamentary keratitis was noticed during the one-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this case, filamentary keratitis was resolved only with treatment of Demodex infestation while conventional treatment failed. Considering the fact that Demodex infestation is a common but easily overlooked condition, it may be suggestive to take Demodex infestation into account as a risk factor of filamentary keratitis, especially in refractory cases.

Is Demodex Blepharitis Connected With Cataract Surgery?

PURPOSE: To determine whether there is an increased incidence of Demodex of the eyelashes among patients after cataract extraction surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative clinical study. METHODS: A cohort of patients who underwent cataract extraction surgery had several eyelashes removed preoperatively that were examined independently by the hospital laboratory for the presence of the Demodex mite. This was repeated 3 weeks after surgery. During several postoperative weeks, patients received the standard treatment of steroid drops alone for a period as individually required. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included in the study (31 men and 31 women), with a mean age of 71.04 years (range, 47-87). In the group positive for Demodex, the male-to-female ratio was 2:3 (P = .2772). Demodex colonization was observed in 22.58% of samples before cataract surgery and in 32.26% after cataract surgery and topical postoperative steroid therapy (P = .0143). CONCLUSIONS: There is a statistically significant increase in Demodex colonization of eyelashes after cataract surgery and postoperative topical steroid treatment. Although Demodex colonization does not necessarily cause blepharitis, our findings of increased colonization should raise the possibility of Demodex blepharitis being considered by ophthalmologists in patients with chronic postoperative eye discomfort after cataract surgery. This study was carried out at the Emek Medical Center.

Subconjunctival Thelazia in a Chinese Woman Aged 49 Years.

This case report describes a diagnosis of subconjunctival Thelazia callipaeda in a 49-year-old Chinese woman who presented with pruritis and a crawling sensation of the left eye for 1 week.

FORMS OF OCULAR LARVAL TOXOCARIASIS IN CHILDHOOD. A REVIEW.

The aim of this paper is to present an outline of forms of ocular manifestations of visceral larva migrans in children, as illustrated by the extensive photographic documentation. Ocular larval toxocariasis (OLT) has various clinical manifestations even in childhood age, in which age representation has an influence. The most common is presence of peripheral granuloma of the eye, frequently with a tractional vitreal streak leading from the retinal periphery to the optic nerve papilla. This is followed by granuloma of the posterior pole of the eye, usually reaching from the macular landscape to the central retinal periphery, always with vitritis. In children OLT may be manifested also in affliction of the optic nerve (cystic granuloma of the head of the optic nerve or neuropathy with vitreal reaction), fulminant endophthalmitis and in rare cases also diffuse chorioretinitis. The diagnosis rests upon a clinical ophthalmological finding, as well as laboratory examination of the levels of antibodies with potential eosinophilia. Histological examination may demonstrate spherical polypoid ossification in the choroid at the posterior pole of the eye as a consequence of fibrotisation and calcification, proceeding from the surrounding area of the absorbed larva. General combined treatment with antihelminthics and corticosteroids is arduous and does not always produce the desired effect in the sense of a satisfactory improvement of visual acuity. In differential diagnostics, manifestations of OLT in small children are still associated with retinoblastoma and a clinical picture of other intraocular diseases.

Annoying Conjunctival Thelaziasis in a Patient Aged 81 Years.

This case report discusses a diagnosis of thelaziasis in a female patient aged 81 years who presented with a foreign body sensation in the left eye for 1 month.

High Prevalence of Demodex Infestation is Associated With Poor Blood Glucose Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Guangzhou Diabetic Eye Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and ocular Demodex mite infection. METHOD: About 381 patients with T2DM from nearby communities were enrolled, and 163 age-matched and sex-matched nondiabetic patients from the cataract clinic were included as the control group. All subjects underwent personal history and demographic data collection, ocular examination, and lash sampling, followed by microscopic identification and counting of Demodex mites. Binocular fundus photography was performed for diabetic patients. Statistical correlation between ocular Demodex infestation and T2DM and blood glucose control status was performed. RESULTS: The Demodex mite infestation rate (62.5% vs. 44.8%, P < 0.001) and count [3 (0-12) vs. 2 (0-9.6), P = 0.01], especially of Demodex brevis (18.9% vs. 4.9%, P < 0.001) [0 (0-1) vs. 0 (0-0), P < 0.001], were significantly higher in the T2DM patient group than that in the control group. The ratio of Demodex brevis to Demodex folliculorum in the T2DM patient group was significantly higher than that in the control group (1:3 vs. 1:9, P < 0.001). Diabetic patients presented with more cylindrical dandruff (55.1% vs. 39.3%, P = 0.001). Ocular Demodex infestation was strongly associated with poor blood glucose control (HbA 1 c > 7%) (odds ratio = 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.94; P = 0.2) and female sex (odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.65, P = 0.02). No association was found between Demodex infestation and the severity of diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T2DM, especially those with poor blood glucose control, tend to have a higher prevalence of ocular Demodex infestation, suggesting that high blood glucose is a risk factor for demodicosis .

Treatment of Demodex Blepharitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Double-Masked Clinical Trial Comparing Topical Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution, 0.25% Eyedrops to Vehicle.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25% eyedrops compared to vehicle for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, double-masked clinical trial, 54 participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25% (study group) or the vehicle (control group) bilaterally, twice daily for 42 days. Outcome measures were collarette cure (collarette grade 0, upper eyelid), mite eradication (mite density of 0 mites/lash), and composite cure (grade 0 for collarettes and erythema). RESULTS: The proportion of participants achieving collarette cure (80.0% vs 15.8%; p < .001), mite eradication (73.3% vs 21.1%, p = .003) and composite cure (73.3% vs 10.5%, p < .001) at Day 42 was statistically significantly higher in the study group than the control group. CONCLUSION: Twice-daily 42-day treatment with novel lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25% is safe and effective for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis compared to the vehicle control. (Registry number: ACTRN12620000320954, dated 09/03/2020).

Prevalence of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in patients with blepharitis and chalazion.

PURPOSE: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are common ectoparasites on skin that also can lead to blepharitis and chalazion. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of Demodex spp. in eyelashes of patients diagnosed with chronic blepharitis and chalazion. METHODS: This study included 330 patients diagnosed with chronic blepharitis, 70 patients diagnosed with chalazion and 130 volunteers without any ocular problems. Patient eyelashes were examined under a light microscope at magnifications of × 40, × 100 and × 400. Demodex spp. were determined. RESULTS: Parasite prevalence was significantly higher in blepharitis (75.5%) and chalazion groups (70%) compared to the control group (16.2%) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of D. folliculorum in the blepharitis group and D. brevis in the chalazion group was found to be significantly higher compared to other groups (p < 0.05). The average number of mites per eyelash was found to be significantly higher in patients with Demodex positive blepharitis (p = 0.001) and in chalazion patients (p = 0.047) than in the control group. It has been determined that mite positivity increases with age in blepharitis and control groups (p < 0.05). In the group with blepharitis, it was found that mite positivity was significant in the presence of symptoms (p = 0.0001) and Demodex positivity decreased as the education level of individuals increased (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: The results of the study show that Demodex spp infestations should be considered in chronic blepharitis and chalazion.

Ocular cysticercosis in pediatric patient / Cisticercose ocular em paciente pediátrico

ABSTRACT Ocular cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Taenia solium. Its early diagnosis and treatment decreases the possibility of visual morbidity. It can either compromise the anterior chamber or the posterior segment, which translates into an very variable and interspecific presentation that changes depending on the site of the infection. It is important to report this case due to its low presentation rate and the fact that a high suspicion index is required to make an assertive and timely diagnosis. This is especially important in geographical areas that are endemic to this parasite due to the direct relationship between an early diagnosis and treatment and better visual outcomes. In this case report, we will discuss the multidisciplinary interventions of a pediatric patient in a high complexity hospital.

RESUMO A cisticercose ocular é uma infecção parasitária causada pela Taenia solium. O diagnóstico e tratamento precoces diminuem a possibilidade de morbidade visual. Ela pode comprometer a câmara anterior ou o segmento posterior, o que se traduz em uma apresentação muito variável e interespecífica, que muda dependendo do local da infecção. É importante relatar esse caso devido à sua baixa taxa de apresentação e ao fato de que é necessário um alto índice de suspeita para fazer um diagnóstico assertivo e oportuno. Isso é especialmente importante em áreas geográficas endêmicas para esse parasita, devido à relação direta entre diagnóstico e tratamento precoces e melhores resultados visuais. Neste relato de caso, discutiremos as intervenções multidisciplinares de um paciente pediátrico em um hospital de alta complexidade.

Recurrent vitreous opacity caused by intraocular Toxocara larva: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Toxocara larva entity has seldom been reported on the surface of the retina. We report on an unusual case of recurrent vitreous opacity caused by intraocular Toxocara larva after vitrectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old male was referred to our clinic with a 6-month history of decreased visual acuity in the right eye characterized as red, painless, and progressive. Optos fundus photograph showed optic disc elevation with granuloma, and proliferative membrane starting from the optic disc and running towards the superior temporal retina due to the movement of a Toxocara larva, which was covered by the proliferative membrane in the superior temporal retina. Since it adhered closely to the retina, the lesion in the superior temporal retina was not removed to avoid induction of an iatrogenic retinal break and the larva was not found during the first diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy. Intraocular Anti-Toxocara IgG was 45.53U (< 3, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)), and the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient was 8.55, confirming the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis. After this operation, visual acuity improved to 20/200. However, vitreous opacity worsened again, and the proliferative membrane expanded around the Toxocara larva three weeks after the operation. Toxocara larva was found and removed in the superior temporal region during the second operation. His visual acuity improved to 20/100, vitreous opacity disappeared, and the retina was stable two months after the second operation. CONCLUSION: It is advisable to remove suspected Toxocara larva to prevent the reoccurrence of ocular toxocariasis.

Ophthalmomyiasis externa caused by Oestrus ovis.

This report describes the case of a woman in her early 20s who presented with a 3-day history of mobile foreign bodies and watering from her right eye. She had recently returned from vacation on a Greek island and presented to an ophthalmology unit in London, UK. A sample taken demonstrated Oestrus ovis infestation and confirmed the diagnosis of ophthalmomyiasis externa. She was treated with prophylactic topical antibiotics and subsequently made a full recovery. This was only the sixth presentation of O. ovis ophthalmomyiasis externa documented within the UK and the only case documented within the last 20 years. This is the fifth documented case found to have been transmitted within Greece.