I have dry eyes with weird eyelids and eye lashes. Could this be due to Demodex mites?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been suffering from dry eyes for four years. I have seen many eye doctors, but no cause has been found. A while ago, I started noticing my eye-lids looking weird. I also discovered I had Demodex mites on my face, but none were found on my eyelashes. However, I made some photos of my eye-lids and found the base of my eye-lashes looked white. My question is, could this, after all, be the sign of Demodex mites? During these four years of dry eyes, I get occasional left eye pains. The problem is exacerbated by computer use, reading, being outdoors. My eyes are not red, no blurred vision, no excess tearing. Warm compresses, eyelid massages, eyelid hygiene, and diet changes did not help. Around a year ago, eye-lid problems started. My eyelashes do not fall out easily, though.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We do have natural microbe or flora on our face and eyelashes but Demodex mite cannot be, it is a foreign microbe that needs to be treated. I can see the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and there is redness beneath the eye and also white at the base of the eyelash. There are many reasons for it, firstly, are you having psoriasis which itself can be flared up and needs treatment by a skin specialist. This also has an effect on eyes causing dryness and burning. Secondly, as you are saying dandruff that you have to check. Do you observe it at your hairs, shoulders, and eyebrows? That also has to be treated by antidandruff shampoo again call for a skin specialist. Thirdly, blepharitis because it also causes similar symptoms apart from the face. Do you have any other symptoms like thirsty mouth, itching in any part of the body, or rashes? Well, I would suggest you to get it checked once with a skin specialist also because it is now a chronic condition. I will write medications for you.