Helpful Articles

Seasonal allergy is a medical condition, just like the other forms of allergies, which occurs when the immune system of the body reacts to an external material in the environment during seasonal periods like summer, fall or spring when plants and trees pollinate. Seasonal allergies are terrible as it has a tremendous effect on millions of individuals yearly with terrible effect on our eyesight, making them itchy, watery and red. This is regarded as seasonal eye allergies

In medical terms, it is regarded as allergic conjunctivitis. There are a lot of allergens that can make our eyes go sour, itchy and very red some of which include dust, pollen, smoke, etc. However, these allergens vary from one person to another i.e. while dust can cause itchy eyes for me, it might not be the same for you as it all depends on our immune system and the way it reacts against such substances. It creates a gritty sensation around the eye region, accompanied by a burning feeling and discomfort in the eyes.

Allergens are regarded as a dangerous substance by the eye and as such, a chemical response is elicited in the eye to fight against such substance which is what leads to the itchiness, redness and soreness. All of these effects are therefore as a result of a change in seasons, mostly when its spring as this is the time plants and tree pollinate while during the fall, we have the ragweed pollinating.
 

Seasonal Allergies Effect on the Eyes

As mentioned earlier, allergens affect people differently, there are however general ways through which everyone reacts to these allergens. You would know an individual is suffering from allergies through the following symptoms.

• Teary eyes
  Since the eyes perceive substances like dust, smoke, pollens as harmful to the normal conditioning of the eyes, there is an automatic release of water for the cleaning of the eyes. This is more of a defence mechanism against these foreign items.

• Swollen eyes
  After the entry of these foreign items, it is very natural to feel itchy and want to scratch the affected eyes. During the cause of scratching, the skin covering the eyes would become swollen due to continuous friction.

• Dry eyes
  Dry eyes occur most times during winter seasons and not because of allergens like dust or pollen. Whenever there is extreme cold or when it is snowing, the eyes tend to become dry which further leads to soreness and redness

• Itchy Eyes
  Allergens are carried by air and could end up being stuck in your eyes any time. If you react to these allergens, this means that you would feel irritated from inside your eyes and would demand that you scratch it.

• Red Eyes
  Redness of the eyes is usually accompanied by other symptoms. For instance, itching your eyes would make your eyes swollen and very red. There are capillaries inside the eyes and whenever one is faced with an allergy, the capillaries become very visible and red.
   

Prevention

It can be very difficult to prevent allergens considering the fact that they are carried around by air. However, there are some things that can be done by you to reduce your chances of being exposed to allergens. One of the first precautions is to remain indoors whenever the day is going to be windy. This is important as on windy days like this, more allergens are carried around and at a faster pace. You really might not have a chance against them. If it is necessary you go out, ensure you wear a pair of sunglasses, preferably one that covers the eyes well. More so, when working in the yard, it is safer you wear pollen masks. Avoid anything that could blow the pollens into your eyes. You could also use a pair of glasses too.
 

Treatment

Whenever you have an allergy, you should better take in a lot of water so as to avoid dehydration. Also, if you have your eye drops (as recommended by your doctor) you can apply it to reduce the irritation and if you use contact lenses, you might just have to switch to a pair of glasses as contacts make the eyes easily penetrable. Avoid itching your eyes as much as possible so as to avoid complications.

The eye is a very delicate part of the body yet, it is very fragile. According to a study on distance vision, about 188.5 million individuals are said to suffer from mild vision impairment, 217 million individuals suffer from moderate and severe impairment while 36 million individuals are blind 1 . For near vision impairment, there are about 826 million individuals suffering from it 2 . In all, there are about 1.3 billion persons living with one of these impairments.

While a lot of people are aware that the eyes are an integral part of the body system, most of them do not pay very close attention to taking care of their eyes. In essence, taking it for granted. As a saying goes, “You do not know the worth of a thing until you lose it”. While we cannot sit back here, waiting for such nemesis, we have decided to take the necessary steps to keep you informed on how best to take care of your eyesight. Below are ways to keep your eyes safe:

1. Eat Healthily
While this might sound like a cliché, it is a very integral part of keeping the eyes healthy. Nutrients like lutein, vitamin E & C, omega-3 fatty acid and zinc help in solving eye related problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. These nutrients can be found in vegetables like collards, kale and spinach, fish like tuna, salmon and halibut. It can also be found in beans, nuts, eggs, oranges, pork and oysters.

Asides eating meals rich in nutrients, it is equally important you eat well-balanced diets. Obesity causes diabetes and other medical conditions, leading to blindness or glaucoma. In fact, obesity is regarded as the chief cause of blindness across the globe which raises a red flag to watch your weight. You can always visit your doctor to help with drafting an eating plan.

2. Know the eye history of your family
Eye issues are usually hereditary which is why you need to inquire from your family members to know
their eye history. Knowing this would help determine how susceptible you are to having an eye
condition. Once you discover the possibilities, visit your eye doctor immediately for further actions.

3. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is generally bad for your health. As regards your eyes, it can cause macular degeneration, destroy the optic nerve and also cause cataracts. In the worst case, it can lead to loss of vision 3 . So if you have been smoking before, it is high time you stopped. If you are yet to smoke, do not indulge in it as its disadvantages far outweigh its advantages.

4. Where are your sunglasses?
Sunglasses also called shades are more than just fashion accessories as its role is to protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun. UV rays can cause macular degeneration and even cataracts so it is important you go for sunglasses that protect against 99% -100% of UV rays.

1 Bourne, RRA; Flaxman, SR; Braithwaite, T; Cicinelli, MV; Das, A; Jonas, JB; et al; Vision Loss Expert Group.
Magnitude, temporal trends, and projections of the global prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2017 Sep; 5(9): e888-97

2 Fricke, TR; Tahhan, N; Resnikoff, S; Papas, E; Burnett, A; Suit, MH; Naduvilath, T; Naidoo, K; Global Prevalence of Presbyopia and Vision Impairment from Uncorrected Presbyopia: Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Modelling, Ophthalmology. 2018, May 9

3 Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. Risk factors associated with age-related nuclear and cortical cataract. Ophthalmology:2001; 108(8): 14001408. Even if you have a contact lens on, wearing a sunglass would only strengthen the force against UV rays.

5. Obey workplace safety precautions
Most times, we are found of taking little things for granted. It is important we wear protective eye gears when engaging in sporting activities or jobs that could be harmful to the eyes. Such eye gears include safety goggles, glasses and shield, eye guards, helmets, etc. Most of these protectors are from polycarbonates, a much stronger material than plastics. Always indulge your self to make use it of it. Do not assume nothing would happen.

6. Your eyes need rest
The eyes also need as much rest as it can get. If you deprive yourself of adequate sleep/rest, it can have an adverse effect on the eyes. So, it is necessary you rest your eyes as much as you can. During the use of the computer, endeavour to rest the eyes for at least 20 seconds after every 20 minutes by looking away from the screen. This way, eyestrain is reduced.

7. Visit your eye doctor regularly
This is the most important of them all as every other tip leads back to visiting your doctor. Never assume your eyes are doing just fine, endeavour to get a detailed eye test as that’s the only way you can be sure you are all fine. Conditions like glaucoma are much easier to treat if they are discovered early so don’t stay far from your doctor. You can either visit ophthalmologists or optometrists based on your need.
 

First Aid

While it is not impossible for you to get injured on your eyes during your daily activities, it is good you are aware of how to attend to such emergency before reaching the doctor.

• If you get hit on the eyes, you should put a shield like a Styrofoam cup on the bone of the eyes. Avoid putting pressure on the eye

• If something enters your eyes, avoid removing it as it may lead to the tearing of important tissues in the eyes. A Styrofoam cup would also do the job here.

• In a case of black eyes, put a pack of ice over your eyes

• If it’s a chemical burn, rinse the eyes with clean water for about 30 minutes, holding your head beneath the tap. While rinsing, keep your eyes wide open, rolling your eyeballs so as to ensure the water gets to every part.
   

In all, make sure you visit the doctor as soon as you can. It is important you don’t joke with your eyesight. Always remember prevention is a much better alternative to cure.

When it’s time to select a new pair of eyeglasses, it can be challenging to find the frame that feels the best for you. Eyeglass makers have become increasingly aware of their clients’ desire to customize frames and offer a variety of colors, designs, and frame shapes. Understanding more about your face shape and the types of frames that would look best on you can help to reduce the amount of time you spend trying on frames that don’t complement your face shape. Here are a few helpful tips to knowing what will be best for your face shape.
 

Face Types

While there are thousands of different frame shapes, there are only seven different face shapes.
 

Round

This face type is as wide is it is long. There are no specific or well-defined angles to this face type. Most people with this facial type look for frames that will elongate their face and draw out their natural features. A good choice is often to select a frame that is angular and narrow. This will also give your face the appearance of being thinner.
 

Heart

If you imagine the shape of a traditional heart, this face shape is easy to identify. The top 1/3 of the face is wider, and the face tapers to a narrow chin. Individuals with this face shape will often seek frames that are wider at the bottom of the lens. This helps to balance the face and give the appearance of a narrower face at the top. Additionally, rimless frames are also a good fit for this face type.
 

Base Down Triangle

This face type contains wide cheekbones and jaw but is narrow at the forehead. Cat eye type frames are great for this face type, as are frames that are heavier near the eyebrow.
 

Diamond

This face type is the rarest. The diamond face is like the base down triangle but differs because it has a narrow chin, thus appearing like a diamond. When selecting eyeglasses, look for oval shaped frames, or frames that have more detail along the brow line.
 

Oblong

This face type looks like an oval, but these individuals have a straight cheek line. This face is fuller than it is long. Frame types that add some depth are ideal for this face. To do this, try frames that have decorative pieces along the temples or that have more depth with a reduced width.
 

Oval

Oval faces are the most common face type. They are considered to have balanced proportions so that most frame types will work well. An oval face is longer than it is wide and includes plump cheekbones. Walnut shaped eyeglasses are an ideal choice or frames that are as wide or wider than the broadest part of your face.
 

Square

These individuals have a broad forehead and jaw that gives the appearance of the face coming having equal and straight sides. These face types usually do well when attempting to soften their features, so eyeglass frames that are narrow or have an oval shape will suit you best.
 

Additional Tips

Your hair color may play a role in the best frame color for you. Individuals with warm hair colors (brown or black hair) do best when choosing lighter frame colors to add contrast. People that have hair on the lighter end of the spectrum can pick just about any frame color that they would like and may look to other features like eye color or skin tone.

Skin tone has the opposite effect from hair color on the best choices for eyeglass frame color. Those with lighter skin hues do best with similar frame colors, and those with warmer skin tones can pick and choose options that they enjoy the most.

Above all, the choice of a frame is something that you should enjoy yourself. There may be additional factors to consider when choosing the right frame for you. Perhaps the most important factor is your overall happiness and comfort.

People will often experience some type of eye disorder during the course of their lives. While the majority of these are minor and don’t require treatment, even minor problems can have significant adverse impacts on your vision, and you should seek the guidance of a licensed medical professional.

We’ve compiled some of the most common eye disorders, their causes and their treatments below. This guide is meant to be educational. Not all of the disorders listed below require medical attention, but if you are concerned, you should contact your medical provider immediately.
 

Eyestrain

Eyestrain is a prevalent eye disorder. Most people have experienced this at one time or another. This optical issue can be caused by placing excessive strain on the eyes. It often occurs when reading, viewing a screen or driving for too long. The eyes may begin to feel tired, or a mild burning sensation can occur. Simple rest is often enough to correct this issue. If you continue to feel discomfort for a few days, its time to visit your doctor.
 

Eye Redness

Eye redness can often be a minor issue that is caused by the inflammation or irritation of blood vessels near the eye’s surface. This can be caused by an irritant, lack of sleep, or allergies. If the redness in your eyes is linked to some type of a traumatic injury, then you should see a doctor. Typical treatments for this condition may be using eye drops to help lubricate the eye, resting your eyes, or taking medication to treat your allergies. Eye redness can also be a warning sign for conjunctivitis, pink eye, or sun damage. These conditions should receive medical treatment from a licensed professional.
 

Night Blindness

Some people find that they have difficulty navigating in darker areas like movie theaters, dark rooms, or driving at night. Several possibilities could lead to night blindness. Some may have been born with this condition, or it could be the result of a degenerative retina. These issues cannot be resolved by a medical professional. However, night blindness can also be caused by nearsightedness, vitamin A deficiency, cataracts, or keratoconus. All of these issues can be corrected by a doctor.
 

Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)

Crossed eyes are not a condition that you can fix by yourself. This issue is seen in the eyes not properly lining up with each other. However, an ophthalmologist may be able to help correct this issue, so it’s worth scheduling an appointment.

 

Nystagmus (Shaky Eyes)

Nystagmus is the constant shaking of the eyes, and the patient will have no ability to control it. Medical professionals have several options for treatment at their disposal. Sometimes vision therapy is enough to strengthen the muscles and correct the issue. If this doesn’t work, surgery can also correct the problem. Your doctor can discuss your best options with you.
 

Colorblindness

Red and green colorblindness is the most common form of colorblindness, although other types may affect your ability to see different color combinations. Color blindness is caused because the eyes lack the appropriate “cones” that help to interpret and differentiate these colors. This makes certain colors appear identical to colorblind individuals. Very severe forms of colorblindness only allow individuals to see shades of gray, but this is very rare.

While there is no current treatment for the correction of color blindness, special contact lenses or eyeglasses can be prescribed to help.
 

Uveitis

This condition is the inflammation of the uvea. There are several potential causes of uveitis that can be very serious. Uveitis is an umbrella phrase that covers all causes that create inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.

Some of these causes can be compromises of the immune system, like AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, or ulcerative colitis. If you have light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye pain, and eye redness that lasts more than a few days you should see your eye care professional.
 

Knowing When to Get Help

Your eyes are a sensitive and critical organ for your health. Small injuries or damage to your eyes can have lasting impacts. For these reasons, if you sense that something is wrong with your eyes, it’s always a good idea to visit your eye care professional. Additionally, make sure to get your regular annual eye exams. These exams can help detect any issues that your eyes may be having and get you the appropriate care more quickly.

Just a few decades ago, computer vision syndrome (CVS) was not known or understood. With an increase in the role of computers in our lives, it has become increasingly common. Researchers believe that 50-90% of people who use computers in their daily lives have experienced CVS to some degree. The amount of time that many people stare into a computer screen is increasing, and this puts significant strain on our eyes.

CVS is not considered a single specific problem. A suite of issues may be assigned to this syndrome. Additionally, with the increased use of school computers, tablets and smartphones, children are also susceptible to CVS.

This syndrome is like many other repetitive motion type conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. The problem can start because our eyes move in the same way throughout the day (reading text on a screen). Once an issue has started, it can get worse as we continue the same behavior. While reading alone causes the same motion, screens are considerably harder for our eyes to view. Digital screens add flicker, contrast, glare, and light that all puts additional strain on our eyes.

If you should use some type of corrective lens but don’t, these issues can only accelerate due to the additional strain put on your eyes.

As we age, these problems can also progress. Around the time that people turn 40, the lenses of their eyes begin to harden with a disease called presbyopia. This hardening affects your ability to see objects that are closer to you.
 

What Happens if I have CVS?

There is currently no proof that CVS causes long-term vision impairment or blindness. Continuing to use a computer or any other type screen can continue to be an annoyance or reduce your ability to see properly. Some of the warning signs of CVS are:

• Blurred vision

• Double vision

• Red or dry eyes

• Headaches

• Neck pain

• Back pain

• Eye Irritation

If you don’t properly treat CVS when these symptoms occur, you may begin to notice that you suffer from a decrease in overall quality of life or job performance.
 

Low vision is a term for conditions which result in reduced sight and cannot entirely be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicines or surgery. Several eye diseases or conditions can cause low vision. Let’s learn more about the four most common causes of low vision and their risk factors.
 

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a disorder that affects the retina. This is the light sensitive tissue lining the inside of the eye. Within the retina, the area responsible for sharp central vision (called the macula) deteriorates, causing blurred vision. This can cause a blind spot in the central area of vision, which leads to low vision.

There are two types of macular degeneration – non-exudative (or dry form) and exudative (or wet form). The dry form usually progresses slowly, while the wet form causes more rapid and severe vision loss. Abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula and leak fluid and blood. The biggest risk factor for macular degeneration is age. Other risk factors include genetics, race, smoking, and high blood pressure.
 

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the eyes. High blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak (called macular edema). Sometimes they close, stopping blood from passing through (called macular ischemia). At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. However, over time, it can severely damage the retina, leading to low vision. Anyone who has diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases for those who have had diabetes longer, as well as those with poor control of blood sugar levels, high blood pressure or cholesterol. Smoking can also increase the risk.
 

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. This clouding can block the light from reaching the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in general loss of vision. In some cases, a cataract can be surgically removed. Cataract surgery has a high success rate in otherwise healthy eyes. However, cataract surgery is not always possible for people who also have other eye diseases. The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors include diabetes, smoking, alcohol use and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight.
 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. Most commonly, this occurs when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. There are four types: open angle, normal tension, angle closure, and secondary.

Keratoconus is a terrifying diagnosis to those that have experienced it. To compound issues, many patients complain that they had poor initial treatment due to a lack of understanding about the disease. If proper treatment is not achieved, individuals may experience a rapid deterioration in their ability to see. This leads to a reduced quality of life. You can reduce the stress related to a keratoconus diagnosis and increase the benefits of treatment by understanding your treatment options.
 

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge. This bulge generally takes on the appearance of a cone. As light enters the eye, it becomes distorted by the cone causing vision abnormalities.

Modern research is connecting keratoconus with an enzyme imbalance in the cornea. This imbalance leaves the eye susceptible to oxidative free radicals. Keratoconus has also been linked to UV damage, excessive eye rubbing, poorly fitting contacts, and chronic eye irritation.
 

Treatment Options

While your eye professional will have the best understanding of what treatment option is right for you, we have compiled ten of the most common treatments here.

• Corneal Cross-linking (CXL) – There are two different types of this procedure, but they both introduce riboflavin to the cornea in order to strengthen the corneal tissue and stop the bulging from progressing.

• Custom Soft Contact Lenses – Soft contacts are generally more comfortable to wear than gas permeable lenses. Recently, some contact companies have been able to create a contact specifically to correct the issues related to mild and moderate cases of keratoconus.

• Gas Permeable Contact Lenses – Gas permeable lenses are a hard contact lens that physically forces the eye to adhere to the lens shape. This allows for the correction of keratoconus. The fit is often time-consuming and may take several different lenses to achieve the proper fit.

• Piggybacking Contact Lenses – This method is used for individuals who require a gas permeable lens but cannot tolerate wearing the rigid contact. Piggybacking utilizes a soft lens placed on the eye first, and then a gas permeable lens is placed over the top. This offers the comfort of soft contacts with the rigidity and clarity of the gas permeable lenses.

• Hybrid Contact Lenses – Hybrid contact lenses were designed specifically for keratoconus. This technology blends a rigid contact lens center with a softer edge, or skirt, of the contact. Scleral and Semi-Scleral lenses – These lenses are gas permeable lenses but cover a larger area of the eye than a standard rigid lens. These lenses don’t put pressure onto the cone shape of the eye. The reduced pressure results in a more comfortable fit for patients.

• Prosthetic Lenses – This lens is used specifically for patients that have very advanced keratoconus and have ruled out other options. The advanced scleral lens also doubles as a protective prosthetic shell. There are special requirements to qualify for this lens though, so check with your eye care professional if this is an option for you.

The eye emergencies cover a range of incidents and conditions such as; trauma, cuts, scratches, foreign objects in the eye, burns, chemical exposure, photic retinopathy, blunt injuries and to the eye or eyelid. Since the eye is easily damaged, serious complications can occur from an eye injury thus, any of these conditions without proper treatment can lead to a partial loss of vision or even permanent blindness. Likewise, certain eye infections and other medical conditions, such as blood clots or glaucoma, eye problems as a painful red eye or vision loss, that are not due to injury also need urgent medical attention.
 

Depending on the type of injury, any of the following symptoms may be present:

• Bleeding or other discharge from or around the eye

• Bruising

• Decreased vision

• Double vision

• Loss of vision, total or partial, one eye or both

• Pupils of unequal size

• Eye pain

• New or severe headaches

• Itchy eyes

• Redness or bloodshot appearance

• A sensation of something in the eye

• Sensitivity to light

• Stinging or burning in the eye

• One eye is not moving like the other

• One eye is sticking out or bulging

• Nausea or headache occurring with eye pain (this may be a symptom of glaucoma or stroke).

A black eye is usually caused by direct trauma to the eye or face, causing a bruise resulting from bleeding under the skin. The skin around the eye turns black and blue, gradually becoming purple, green, and yellow over several days. Swelling of the eyelid and tissues around the eye may also occur. The abnormal color usually disappears within 2 weeks.

A blow to the eye can potentially damage the inside of the eye. Trauma is also a common cause of a hyphema, which is blood inside the front of the eye and is often due to a direct hit to the eye from a ball. Besides, certain types of skull fractures can cause bruising around the eyes, even without direct injury to the eye.

A chemical injury to the eye can be caused by a work-related accident, common household products such as cleaning solutions, garden chemicals, solvents, or other types of chemicals. Fumes and aerosols can also cause chemical burns. With acid burns, the haze on the cornea often clears and there is a good chance of recovery. However, alkaline substances such as lime, lye, drain cleaners, and sodium hydroxide found in refrigeration equipment may cause permanent damage to the cornea. It is important to flush out the eye with large amounts of clean water or salt water (saline).

When you were a kid, did you experience your eyes get all reddish and all of a sudden, someone close to you also got to suffer from it? Your eyes, as well as those who contacted it, got itchy and swollen right? Then it must have been that you suffered from pink eyes.

Pink eye is well known as conjunctivitis and it is the infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva or the transparent membrane that serves as a covering for the white part of the eye called the sclera and lines the eyelid. More so, there is usually a tear in the eyes that emits a sticky discharge which develops into a crust while sleeping making it difficult for the patient to open the eyes in the morning.

One thing about the pink eye is that it is highly contagious and it could affect both eyes or just one eye at a time. While it is more common in children, adults are also victims of this eye condition. There are 3 major causes of pink eyes namely:
 

• Bacteria

Streptococci and staphylococci are bacteria types that are most responsible for pink eyes. However, chlamydia and gonococci can also cause pink eye. It is accompanied with serious eye pain, itching, swelling, redness, discharge of colourful substance. The spread of bacterial pink eye is usually as a result of using personal items of infected parties, use of makeup materials that have been infected with bacteria, putting dirty hands in the eyes. If not treated, it can last for more than 10 days but if treated, in less than 3 days, it would be resolved.
 

• Allergies

Pink eyes caused by allergies are followed by serious itching and tearing of the eyes. Pain is minimal here, although, it comes with a lot of discomforts. Most times, pink eyes happen with the company of sneezing, coughing, etc. Allergens that trigger pink eyes include grass, dust, pollen, mould, ragweed, etc. Allergy based pink eyes are usually not contagious.
 

• Viruses

The virus is the most common cause of pink eyes and such viruses are known as adenoviruses and herpes virus. There is usually a lot of teary discharge when it is caused by viruses. It is accompanied by nasal congestion, puffy eyelids, runny nose and sharp pain. It is usually contracted from a cough and sneeze droplets from an infected individual. It can take as long as 2 weeks to get it treated depending on how serious the infection is.
 

• General Symptoms of Pink Eyes

• Scratching of the eyes

• Redness of the sclera

• Pain

• Watery discharge

• Swollen eyelids

• Hazy or blurry vision

• Oversensitivity to light
   

What Is Demodex?

The Demodex mite is a type of parasite that lives on humans, and can reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These mites are arachnid (eight-legged), invisible to the naked eye, varying in size from 0.1mm to 0.4 mm long, they live on the face and in the hair follicles of the eyebrows, eyelids, roots of the eyelashes, facial hair, and around the ears, and associated with various skin problems of the eyes and face, such as blepharitis and acne rosacea.

Demodex can affect humans at any age, and their presence increases in prevalence with increasing age. Usually, when the immune system is weakened and the parasitic population has colonized, this disease can badly damage the skin. Besides age, immunity compromised patients such as diabetics, patients on long-term corticosteroids or chemotherapy, or patients who have HIV/AIDS also have increased risk and prevalence of Demodex infection.
 

How Can Demodex be Transmitted?

For transmission of mites from one person to another, direct contact of hair and sebaceous glands on the nose, or dust containing eggs is required and the disease processes begin when there is an overpopulation of Demodex. In the vast majority of cases the mites go unobserved without any adverse symptoms. However, in certain cases, the mite populations migrate and multiply in the eyelashes.

What Are The Types of Demodex?

There are two existing types of Demodex mites: the longer kind, Demodex folliculorum, which live in the hair follicles and the short ones, Demodex brevis, which live in the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin.
 

What Are The Symptoms of Demodex?

In the early stages, there are often no noticeable symptoms, but if left untreated Demodex can progress. Symptoms vary among patients and may include dry eye, red eyes, severe itching along the eyelid margin and eyebrow specially in the morning, eyelid irritation, burning sensation, foreign body sensation that seems to originate beneath the eyelids, heavy lid, and blurry vision. One of the earliest signs of mite infestation is cylindrical dandruff (CD), which is  accumulation of fine, waxy, dry debris that collects at the base of the lash and extends up to 2 mm along the length of the lashes and is most noticeable on the upper lashes.