Kamal Singh

Role of demodex infestation in blepharitis and coconut oil as a treatment option

• Authors Details :  
• Suresha A R,  
• Sadhwini M H

Journal title : Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

Publisher : IP Innovative Publication Pvt Ltd

Online ISSN : 2395-1451

Page Number : 270-275

Journal volume : 6

Journal issue : 2

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Purpose: To assess incidence of demodex species, correlate ocular symptomatology, evaluate efficacy of coconut oil as treatment method in all types of blepharitis. Materials and Methods: 30 patients with anterior & mixed blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction & non-specific irritation were enrolled for study. History taken & examined clinically. 2 lashes/lid were sampled & mounted on slides with normal saline & observed under light microscope. Number of mites counted. Patients positive for demodex were treated with coconut oil application over lid margins & reviewed after 3 weeks. Results: Incidence of demodex was 40% & it increased with age. Demodex was commonly associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, non-specific irritation, madarosis, cloudy & toothpaste like meibum quality. Burning sensation and itching were common complaints. At 3rd week, all patients were symptom-free. Mite count dropped by 52.8% but were not eliminated. Conclusion: Demodex infestation is often overlooked but it is associated with about half of blepharitis cases. Hence further evaluation should be considered. Coconut oil is an easily available mode of treatment & helps reduce symptoms and mite counts.

Article DOI & Crossmark Data

DOI : https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijceo.2020.058

Article Subject Details

• Clinical and experimental ophthalmology
• Community ophthalmology
• General ophthalmology
• Neuro ophthalmology
• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric ophthalmology

Article Keywords Details

• Anterior blepharitis
• Demodex infestation
• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Non-specific irritation
• Role of demodex infestation in blepharitis
• Role of demodex infestation in blepharitis and coconut oil
• Role of demodex infestation in blepharitis and coconut oil as a treatment option

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Article References

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