Many people wake up with itchy eyes, red eyelids, crust around their eyelashes, or a gritty sensation that makes their eyes uncomfortable throughout the day. Although these symptoms can have several causes, one possibility is an overgrowth of microscopic mites that naturally live around human hair follicles.
Social media posts sometimes claim that sleeping with a particular person causes parasites to infest your eyes. However, the image accompanying this claim is misleading: it does not establish that the pictured infestation is real or that sleeping with someone caused it.
Understanding eyelash mites, their symptoms, and proper eyelid hygiene can help you protect your eye health.
What Are Eyelash Mites?
Eyelash mites, commonly called Demodex mites, are microscopic organisms that can live in hair follicles and oil glands, including those around the eyelashes.
Two species, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, are associated with humans. They are common, and their presence does not automatically mean that someone has an eye infection or poor hygiene.
Problems can arise when mites become overly abundant and contribute to inflammation of the eyelids, a condition known as Demodex blepharitis.
What Symptoms Can Eyelash Mites Cause?
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