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Demodex Blepharitis Treatment in Commerce, GA

Red, itchy eyelids. Crusting around your lashes. Eyes that burn, water, or feel gritty even after you reach for dry eye drops.

These symptoms may begin at the eyelid margin. Blepharitis can occur alongside meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and for some patients, an overgrowth of Demodex mites contributes to persistent eyelid inflammation.

At Commerce Family Eyecare, our eye doctors evaluate your eyelids, eyelashes, tear film, and meibomian glands to identify possible causes and recommend appropriate blepharitis and dry eye treatment.

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What Is Demodex Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is inflammation along the edges of the eyelids that can cause redness, itching, burning, crusting, and irritation.

Demodex are microscopic mites that naturally live around hair follicles and oil glands. When their numbers increase around the eyelashes, they can contribute to Demodex blepharitis.

One characteristic sign is collarettes, small deposits or crusts that form around the base of the eyelashes. Other symptoms of Demodex and blepharitis may include:

  • Itchy or irritated eyelids
  • Crusting or debris around the eyelashes
  • Burning or gritty eyes
  • Watery or red eyes
  • Fluctuating or blurry vision
  • Recurrent styes
  • Contact lens discomfort

Several eye and eyelid conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an evaluation is important before deciding on treatment.

Blepharitis, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction & Dry Eye

Blepharitis and Demodex can overlap with another common eyelid problem: meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD.

Your meibomian glands produce oils that help prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, the tear film may become unstable, contributing to evaporative dry eye, irritation, and fluctuating vision.

Because Demodex blepharitis, MGD, and dry eye disease can occur together, our evaluations look beyond the symptoms. Understanding which factors are involved helps us choose treatment based on what is happening at your eyelids and ocular surface.

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Demodex Blepharitis & MGD Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms. Some patients need treatment directed specifically at Demodex mites, while others may also benefit from care for MGD, dry eye, or eyelid inflammation.

XDEMVY® Eye Drops for Demodex Blepharitis

XDEMVY is an FDA-approved prescription eye drop for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. Its active ingredient, lotilaner, targets Demodex mites.

If your eye exam identifies signs such as collarettes and eyelid inflammation consistent with Demodex blepharitis, our eye doctors can determine whether XDEMVY drops are appropriate for you.

IPL Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

When blocked or poorly functioning meibomian glands contribute to dry eye and eyelid inflammation, treatment may need to address MGD as well.

Commerce Family Eyecare offers advanced dry eye treatment with EnVision by InMode. IPL, or intense pulsed light, may be recommended for appropriate patients with meibomian gland dysfunction and associated inflammation.

Depending on your findings, your treatment plan may also include eyelid hygiene, prescription eye drops, meibomian gland treatments, or other dry eye therapies.

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Demodex, Blepharitis & MGD FAQs

How do I know if I have Demodex mites on my eyelashes?

Collarettes around the base of the eyelashes are a characteristic sign of Demodex blepharitis. Because itching, redness, and irritation can have other causes, an eye doctor should examine your eyelids before treatment is recommended.

Can blepharitis cause dry eye?

Blepharitis can occur alongside MGD and contribute to an unstable tear film. This may lead to dry, burning, gritty, watery, or irritated eyes.

Do artificial tears treat Demodex blepharitis?

Artificial tears may temporarily soothe dry eye symptoms, but they do not target Demodex mites. If Demodex blepharitis is identified, treatment can be directed at the underlying cause.

Is IPL used to treat MGD and blepharitis?

IPL may be considered for appropriate patients with meibomian gland dysfunction and inflammatory dry eye. Your optometrist can determine whether MGD, Demodex, or another condition is contributing to your symptoms and recommend treatment accordingly.

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Get a Dry Eye & Blepharitis Evaluation in Commerce, GA

If itchy eyelids, crusting, burning, or dry eye symptoms keep returning, there may be more happening than temporary irritation.

Commerce Family Eyecare provides dry eye, MGD, and eyelid evaluations for patients in Commerce and surrounding Northeast Georgia communities. We'll examine what is contributing to your symptoms and explain treatment options such as XDEMVY, IPL, and other dry eye therapies when appropriate.

(706) 981-1122
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