This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Cylindrical dandruff in Demodex causes MGD, researchers theorize
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
BALTIMORE – Researchers confirm that cylindrical dandruff is pathognomonic for Demodex, and that symptomology may not always be significantly higher than in those without Demodex, according to research presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting.
The multicenter study evaluated ocular symptoms with the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaires. Researchers performed bilateral epilation of two eyelashes per eye followed by microscopic evaluation counting of mites. Meibography was also performed on upper and lower eyelids.
“We know from previous research that many individuals have concurrent Demodex and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD),” study co-author Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FAAO, said in an interview with Primary Care Optometry News. “The goal of this study was to determine if there was any correlation between the presence of Demodex mites and the meibomian gland structure.”
Demodex folliculorum was found in 14 subject, and seven had no mites, according to the study. SPEED and UNC scores were no different between the two groups. Hispanics were found to have more meibomian gland tortuosity in the lower eyelids than white patients.
“Our study found no significant difference in meibomian gland atrophy or meibomian gland structure between patients with mites and those without, indicating that the presence of mites does not alter meibomian gland structure,” Harthan said. “This also tells us that MGD related to Demodex is most likely due to obstruction from cylindrical dandruff.” – by Abigail Sutton
Reference:
Halleran C, et al. An evaluation of the presence of Demodex and its influence on meibomian gland structure. Presented at: Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting; May 7-11, 2017; Baltimore.
Disclosure: Halleran reports receiving honorarium from Allergan. Please see the abstract for all remaining authors’ financial disclosures.