Feeling like your vision is a bit blurry? It might be time to see your optometrist. But eye health goes way beyond putting in contacts with clean hands, that’s for sure.
Just like any other part of your body, your eyes can get sick or infected, and it’s important to be informed about how to protect them and what your options are for treatment.
Dr. Neda Shamie, M.D., an eye specialist, says that one of the most common eyelid diseases, Demodex blepharitis, is rarely talked about. It’s caused by an invasion of Demodex mites, a common type of parasite that attaches to human skin.
These mites can lead to Demodex blepharitis and cause symptoms like redness or swelling around the eyes, missing or misdirected eyelashes, and the presence of collarettes.
What are collarettes, you ask? They are round, waxy, crusty particles of mite waste and eggs found at the base of the eyelashes. If you notice collarettes, it could be a sign of Demodex blepharitis.
Dr. Shamie stresses the importance of maintaining healthy eye habits, such as regular eye check-ups, a balanced diet, removing eye makeup daily, and wearing UV protective eyewear. However, it’s not always possible to prevent Demodex blepharitis since the mites can invade the eyelids without any clear reason. It is very common and can affect people of all genders, ethnicities, and ages.
Without consulting an eye care provider, it’s impossible to know if you have Demodex blepharitis. So, make sure to seek professional advice if you experience any eye discomfort or notice any changes in the appearance of your eyes between regular check-ups.
