Demodexsp. as a Potential Cause of the Abandonment of Soft Contact Lenses by Their Existing Users

Abstract

Demodex mites may be a potential etiological factor in the development of various eye and skin disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of Demodex in the hair follicles of eyelashes and their potential influence on abandoning soft contact lenses which had been previously well tolerated by their users. A group of 62 users of contact lenses (28 with emerging discomfort and 34 without discomfort) were examined. There is a need to check the existence of a relationship between D. folliculorum or/and D. brevis infestation and the emergence of intolerance to the presence of soft contact lenses. The removed lashes were examined under light microscopy, applying standard parasitological methods if demodicosis is suspected. A positive result was assumed if at least one adult stage, larva, protonymph/nymph, or egg of D. folliculorum and/or D. brevis was present. A positive correlation was observed between the presence of Demodex and intolerance to contact lenses by their existing users (p < 0.05), and Demodex sp. infections were observed in 92.86% of patients with intolerance to contact lenses. Our results provide further evidence for the pathogenic role played by the mites in the development of eye diseases.

Contact lens wear and dry eyes: challenges and solutions

“… 61 The relationship between CLD and Demodex has been explored by epilating the lashes of both tolerant and intolerant contact lens wearers and observing these under the light microscope. 62 Interestingly, 94% of the intolerant lens wearers had Demodex , whereas only 6% of the tolerant contact lens wearers exhibited this condition. 62 Hom et al recommend a clinical sequence to diagnose, and hence manage, those with Demodex .…”

“… 62 Interestingly, 94% of the intolerant lens wearers had Demodex , whereas only 6% of the tolerant contact lens wearers exhibited this condition. 62 Hom et al recommend a clinical sequence to diagnose, and hence manage, those with Demodex . 63 This includes a clinical history of blepharitis and dry eyes, slit lamp examination including the assessment for the presence of cylindrical dandruff at the eyelashes and confirmation using light microscope evaluation of epilated lashes.…”

Clinical aspects of demodecosis in veterinary and human medicine

“…The research made in the Medical Centre in Tarnów in a group of 62 patients, 28 of which declared discomfort while using contact lenses and 34 without this complaint, showed the presence of Demodex in 92.86% of the patients that were no longer using contact lenses because of discomfort (54).…”

A Case of Demodex folliculorum Associated with Blepharitis

“…Saprofit kabul edilmekle birlikte, sayılarının artması durumunda patojen hâle geçebilen Demodex türleri pitriasis folliculorum, perioral dermatit, uyuz benzeri döküntüler ve yüzde pigmentasyon artışı gibi birçok tablo ile ilişkilendirilmektedir (1) . Göz çevresinde ve kirpik foliküllerinde sayılarının artması ile de blefarit, blefarokonjonktivit, kontakt lens intoleransı gibi oküler tablolar oluşturabilmek-tedirler (4)(5)(6) .…”