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In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin
Published on: July 3, 2025
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Recent advances on ocular Demodex infestation
Anny M S Cheng1, Hosam Sheha, Scheffer C G Tseng
1aOcular Surface Center bOcular Surface Research Education Foundation cTissueTech, Inc., Miami, Florida, USA.
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|June 10, 2015
Summary
Ocular Demodex infestation, a common cause of eye inflammation, is increasingly understood. Tea tree oil
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ocular Demodex infestation is a prevalent yet often overlooked cause of ocular surface inflammation.
- Demodex mites, specifically Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, are implicated in various anterior and posterior segment eye diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding and managing ocular Demodex infestation.
- To clarify the pathogenesis of Demodex-induced ocular surface inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on ocular Demodex.
- Diagnostic methods include lash sampling with microscopic counting and in-vivo confocal microscopy.
Main Results:
- The pathogenesis of Demodex infestation in causing ocular inflammation is better understood.
- Cliradex, containing terpinen-4-ol from tea tree oil, demonstrates efficacy in eradicating Demodex mites and reducing inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Ocular demodicosis encompasses conditions like blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and keratoconjunctivitis.
- Cliradex shows promise as a treatment, offering anti-Demodex, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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