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Is there a relationship between keratoconus and ocular Demodex mites?
Bengi Ece Kurtul1, Ozlem Makbule Kaya2, Ahmet Kakac3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mustafa Kemal University Tayfur Ata Sökmen Faculty of Medicine, Hatay, Turkey.
Oman Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 21, 2023
Summary
This study found a link between keratoconus (KC) and Demodex eye infestation. Demodex may worsen KC progression through inflammation and eye rubbing.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye condition.
- The role of ocular Demodex infestation in KC is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between keratoconus and Demodex infestation.
- To assess the impact of Demodex on the ocular surface in KC patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study comparing 20 KC patients and 20 controls.
- Evaluated Demodex species, symptoms (eye rubbing), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), corneal topography, tear break-up time (TBUT), and Schirmer test scores.
- Demodex detection via light microscopy.
Main Results:
- Demodex was detected in 47.4% of KC patients but not in controls (P < 0.001).
- Demodex prevalence increased with KC severity (43.8% mild/moderate, 66.7% severe).
- KC patients with or without Demodex showed higher OSDI and eye rubbing, and lower TBUT than controls (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between keratoconus and ocular Demodex infestation.
- Demodex-related inflammation and eye rubbing may contribute to keratoconus progression.
