Modern aspects of demodex blepharitis treatment

• Published in: Acta ophthalmologica (Oxford, England) Vol. 94; no. S256
• Main Authors: Rykov, S., Petrenko, O., Shargorodskaya, I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2016
• Subjects: Blepharitis; Eggs; Eyelid; Glands; Hygiene; Ophthalmology; Patients; Tarsal glands; Tears
• ISSN: 1755-375X; 1755-3768
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2016.0523

Purpose The aim of conducted study was to evaluate the modern eyelid hygiene procedures effectiveness in treatment of demodex blepharitis. Methods Sixty patients with blepharitis and proved presence of Demodex mites were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (n = 30) received the standard treatment of blepharitis (antimicrobial, anti‐allergic, non‐steroidal therapy, artificial tears as required); Group 2 received the standard treatment in complex with eyelid hygiene procedures twice a day during at least one month: applying sterile wipes (Blephaclean®, Thea), warm compresses and eyelid massage. Effectiveness of treatment for each patient in both groups was assessed by means of subjective daily 3‐grade scale of patient's comfort, and objective 3‐grade scales: level of eyelids edge inflammation daily, condition of tarsal glands by meibomiography weekly, presence of Demodex mites, eggs, larvas in acarogramm every 2 weeks. Results There was no significant difference in the average general grade of the clinical complaint between the groups at baseline. Both groups improved clinically with treatment but the subjective level of comfort was greater and appeared sooner in Group 2. By day 3, the grade of clinical complaints was significantly lower in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (1.3 vs. 2.6, p < 0.05). Similar average level (1.3) was gained in Group 2 only to 7th day. Redness and eyelid swelling reduced for at least 80% of subjects after 14 days in Group 1, but after only 10 days in Group 2. After 3 months Demodex specimens were still found in 28 (46.7%) patients in Group 1, but only in 10 (16.7%) in Group 2. There were no significant visual functions changes in both groups of patients during all follow‐up period. Conclusions The study demonstrated the important advantages of comprehensive eyelid hygiene procedures in addition to standard therapy of demodex blepharitis.