How Do I Know If I Have Eyelash Mites?

How often do you wake up with itchy, scratchy, and burning eyes? Do you know that eight-legged creatures could be currently living on your eyelashes?

But don’t freak out – almost every human eyelash contains microscopic parasitic mites. Despite their generally harmless nature and mutualism with us, these bacteria can sometimes cause itchy, crusty, red, and bumpy eyelids.
 

Are Eyelash Mites Common?
 

It is common to have eyelash mites. The majority of the elderly and children, and almost half of adults have them. There are multiple mites attached to each eyelash. Problems can arise, though, if an infestation of mites appears on the eyelashes or if a person becomes allergic to mites.
 

Generally, eyelash mites do not cause issues and are not visible to the naked eye. The mites’ relationship with you is symbiotic, as they cleanse dead skin cells and excess oils off your face while you simply provide a space for them to live and feed.
 

How Can You Tell If It’s Eyelash Mites?
 

One of the most common eyelash mite symptoms is an itchy brow or eyelid in the morning. When eyelash mites enter the eyelash follicle in search of darkness and bury themselves, they irritate the eye.
 

A clear or yellowish substance is often produced around the eyelashes’ base by eyelash mites. As the mites burrow into the hair follicles, they stir up oil and dandruff. You can only see these tiny droplets under a microscope.

An allergic reaction to an eyelash mite bite is similar to the swelling and itching caused by a mosquito bite. A mite bite will result in swollen eyelids, redness, and itching around the bite site.
 

It is also possible for eyelash mites to cause “dry eye syndrome.” The oil-producing glands in the eyelids (Meibomian Gland) can be affected by eyelash mites. The absence of oil in tears will prevent tears from lubricating the eye properly, which can lead to red, burning eyes.

Inflamed or blocked oil glands on the eyelid can cause “red bumps.” A person suffering from this condition may feel pain and have trouble seeing, as well as suffer from blurred or blocked vision. Tear production may also increase.

How to Cope With Eyelash Mites

 

In the case of eyelash mites, you can use an eyelid spa treatment to wipe the mites out of the eyes. This will involve gently massaging the lids and compressing the eyelashes, as well as applying a mild foaming cleanser to the eyelashes.
 

You can also take medications that reduce tear evaporation and bacterial overgrowth during home treatments, such as using eyelid cleansing pads and ointments like tea tree oil.
 

For prevention of recontamination, old pillows should be thrown away, and bed sheets and pillowcases should be washed at high temperatures.
 

In most cases, eyelash mite infestations are easily treated. Nevertheless, they can return within a year after discontinuing the treatment. In addition to keeping your eyelids clean, exercising and getting enough sleep are essential to boosting your immunity against these natural parasites.

Conclusion

 

Are your eyelash mites too stubborn to get rid of? Even though you shouldn’t worry much about the eyelash mites, we surely don’t support the discomfort that comes with it. Although those mites might not be a problem, watery, crusty eyes may indicate something more serious.

Our doctors at Eye Care North in Cave Creek, Arizona, will examine you thoroughly to assist you in figuring out what is wrong. Call us today at 480-781-4446 for a consultation and let us handle the rest.