Where do eye mites appear? - briefly
Eye mites typically inhabit the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the eyelids, as well as the bases of the eyelashes. They can also be detected on the ocular surface and conjunctival tissue.
Where do eye mites appear? - in detail
Eye mites, primarily Demodex species, inhabit the human ocular region. Adult organisms reside on the skin surface of the eyelids and within the hair follicles of eyelashes, where they feed on sebum and epithelial cells. Their presence is detectable in the following ocular structures:
- Upper and lower eyelid margins
- Eyelash follicles and shafts
- Meibomian gland orifices
- Conjunctival epithelium, especially near the fornix
Infestation may extend to the tear film, where mites and their debris become suspended, contributing to irritation. In severe cases, migration into the corneal epithelium has been documented, although such occurrences are rare.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with contaminated eyelashes or fomites. Environmental reservoirs include bedding, towels, and cosmetic applicators, which can harbor mite eggs and larvae. Personal hygiene practices that reduce oil buildup on the eyelid margin diminish the likelihood of colonization.
Diagnosis relies on microscopic examination of epithelium scraped from the lid margin or on eyelash sampling. Treatment protocols focus on eradicating the mites from the identified sites, employing topical agents such as tea‑tree oil preparations, ivermectin, or benzyl benzoate, complemented by eyelid hygiene to prevent reinfestation.