Where does the eye mite appear from? - briefly
The organism inhabits the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the eyelid margin, completing its life cycle there. Transmission occurs through direct skin‑to‑skin contact, frequently from close family members.
Where does the eye mite appear from? - in detail
Eye mites, primarily Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, inhabit the human pilosebaceous unit. The organisms reside in hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and the glands of the eyelids. Their presence on the ocular surface originates from colonization of the skin around the eyes, followed by migration to the lid margin and lash follicles.
Transmission occurs through direct skin‑to‑skin contact, shared cosmetics, towels, or eyelash extensions. Colonization is facilitated by:
- High sebum production, which supplies nutrients.
- Warm, humid microenvironment of the peri‑ocular area.
- Immunological factors that allow mite survival.
- Egg deposition within a follicle or gland.
- Development into a larva (approximately 2 days).
- Maturation into an adult (about 7 days).
- Adult lifespan of 2‑4 weeks, during which reproduction occurs.
Prevalence increases with age; studies report colonization in > 80 % of individuals over 60 years. Factors such as rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and immunosuppression elevate mite density on the eyelids, leading to ocular irritation, blepharitis, or keratitis.
Control measures focus on reducing mite load by:
- Daily lid hygiene with tea‑tree oil‑based cleansers.
- Topical ivermectin or metronidazole for severe infestations.
- Avoiding shared personal items that may transfer mites.
«Effective management requires consistent application of lid scrubs and, when necessary, pharmacological intervention», notes a recent dermatological review.