Experts told The i Paper they have seen a sharp rise in cases of chronic eyelid inflammation, known as demodex blepharitis, as dust mites crawl into people’s eyes at night, with the average eyelash of someone with the condition containing three mites apiece.
These cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, inflammation on the surface of the cornea, lumps in the eyelid and can even contribute to hair loss.
Experts say the growth of demodex is a long-term trend which has accelerated in the past two to three years. And they believe the increase in low-temperature washes, as people seek to save money, is largely to blame.
One key study in the Parasitology Research journal subjected the mites to a range of temperatures between -15°C and over 60°C and concluded that “the lethal temperature is 54°C, and the effective temperature that kills demodex mites is 58°C”.
Eye lash collarettes or ‘lash trash’ (Centreforsight.com)As such, ophthalmologists strongly urge people to wash their sheets and pillows at 60°C or more hotter. But they say it’s still OK to wash clothes at cooler washes as they are unlikely contain many dust mites.
Julian Stevens, a leading UK eye surgeon who helps Formula 1 drivers to maximise their vision, estimates that millions of people in the UK are now suffering from demodex.
“Me and my colleagues are seeing more and more people at the clinic for demodex, and optometrists on the high street are also seeing a huge increase. And the reason is that, whereas our parents used to wash at 60°C and hotter, everyone’s now using low temperature washes.”
“The only thing that we can see that’s changed is low-temperature washing. When you ask people the direct question, ‘What temperature do you wash?’ They say ‘it’s 30°C’.
Sheeraz Daya, founder of the Centre for Sight eye clinic in London, Surrey and Sussex, has also seen a particularly significant rise in demodex in the past few years.
Bishwanath Pal, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, added that demodex “is often missed but can be easily treated”.
“It needs to be recognised by optometrists and general ophthalmologists so that it’s effectively diagnosed and treated,” he said.
How to get rid of dust mites
Optase gel is a weak concentration of tea tree oil that does not require prescription. It is applied to the closed eyelids, specifically rubbed into the base of the eyelashes.
This anti-mite treatment is very effective in wiping out dust mites.
The life cycle of demodex is 14 to 16 days, so commonly the treatment session is repeated after two to three weeks.
People also use tea tree oil face wash and shower gel.
For those being treated at a clinic, a stronger version of tea tree oil is available at clinics than that available over the counter.
Another treatment option is topical Ivermectin solution, which is applied to the eyelids.
A deep scrub of the eyelid margins to dislodge the demodex mites can also be helpful and is termed a Blephex treatment.
This is carried out in addition to tea tree oil or Okra treatment.
In the US, Lotilaner is available which effectively kills the mites. It is applied twice a day to the eyelid margins but is not yet available in Europe or the UK.
How to prevent dust mites
The key to long-term clearance is to avoid reinfection from mites at home.
The best way to remove dust mites from your home is by steam cleaning carpets and furniture and regularly removing dust with a damp mop or rag.
Bedding should be washed weekly in hot water to kill dust mites, especially if you struggle with allergies.
The minimum temperature is 60°C. Wash pillows and replace them after a year, as they will be covered in skin oils, germs, and drool.
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