Abstract :
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.
Keyword :
Anterior blepharitis, Demodex infestation, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Non-specific irritation.