Contact Lens Discomfort? New Research Highlights Xdemvy for Demodex Blepharitis

Contact lenses should provide clear, comfortable vision throughout the day. However, some patients experience persistent irritation, itching, redness, or dryness that makes wearing their lenses uncomfortable.
 

While these symptoms are often attributed to dry eye or contact lens fit, another condition may be contributing to the problem: Demodex blepharitis.
 

Recent research highlighted in November 2026 suggests that treating Demodex blepharitis with Xdemvy, an FDA-approved prescription eye drop, may offer important benefits for contact lens wearers experiencing eyelid inflammation.
 

What Is Demodex Blepharitis?

Demodex are microscopic mites that naturally live in the hair follicles and oil glands of the skin, including around the eyelashes.
 

Although these mites are common, excessive numbers can contribute to inflammation along the eyelid margins, resulting in a condition called Demodex blepharitis.
 

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Itchy or irritated eyelids

• Redness along the eyelid margins

• Crusting or debris around the eyelashes

• Burning or foreign body sensation

• Dry eye symptoms

• Discomfort while wearing contact lenses

One of the most recognizable signs is the presence of collarettes, which are cylindrical deposits that accumulate around the base of the eyelashes.
 

Our doctors can identify these findings during a comprehensive eye examination.
 

How Can Demodex Affect Contact Lens Comfort?

Contact lens discomfort is not always caused by the lenses themselves.
 

Inflammation along the eyelid margins can interfere with the normal function of the oil glands that help maintain a healthy tear film.
 

When the tear film becomes unstable, contact lenses may feel dry, irritating, or uncomfortable, particularly toward the end of the day.
 

Patients may find themselves removing their contact lenses earlier than usual or switching to glasses because their lenses no longer feel comfortable.
 

Identifying and treating underlying eyelid inflammation may help improve the overall contact lens wearing experience.
 

What Is Xdemvy?

Xdemvy (lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%) is an FDA-approved prescription eye drop specifically developed to treat Demodex blepharitis.
 

Unlike traditional eyelid cleaning methods that primarily remove debris and help manage inflammation, Xdemvy directly targets the Demodex mites responsible for the condition.
 

The medication is typically used twice daily for six weeks.
 

Clinical studies supporting FDA approval demonstrated significant reductions in Demodex mites and eyelash collarettes following treatment.
 

Xdemvy provides an additional treatment option for patients whose eyelid symptoms may not improve adequately with conventional eyelid hygiene alone.
 

What Does the New Research Show?

A November 2026 report in Healio highlighted research examining Xdemvy treatment in contact lens wearers with Demodex blepharitis.
 

The research reflects growing interest in how treating underlying eyelid inflammation may benefit patients who struggle with contact lens comfort.
 

A Phase 4 clinical trial involving 145 participants specifically evaluated Xdemvy in soft contact lens wearers with Demodex blepharitis.
 

The study examined changes in eyelash collarettes and eyelid redness, along with patient-reported comfortable contact lens wearing time.
 

These findings and ongoing research reinforce the importance of examining the eyelids when patients report persistent contact lens discomfort.
 

While treating Demodex blepharitis may improve symptoms for appropriately diagnosed patients, not every case of contact lens discomfort is caused by Demodex.
 

Can You Wear Contact Lenses While Using Xdemvy?

Patients prescribed Xdemvy may be able to continue wearing contact lenses while undergoing treatment, provided their eye doctor determines that contact lens wear is appropriate.
 

However, contact lenses must be removed before using Xdemvy.
 

The medication contains a preservative that may discolor soft contact lenses, so patients should wait at least 15 minutes after instilling the drops before reinserting their lenses.
 

Patients should follow their doctor's instructions regarding treatment, contact lens wear, and follow-up care.
 

If contact lenses cause significant redness, pain, light sensitivity, or worsening vision, remove them and seek prompt eye care.
 

Why a Comprehensive Contact Lens Examination Matters

If your contact lenses have become uncomfortable, changing lens brands or switching to a different cleaning solution may not always resolve the problem.
 

At Eyes & Optics, our doctors evaluate several factors that can affect contact lens comfort, including:

• Contact lens fit and prescription

• Tear film quality and dry eye

• Eyelid inflammation and blepharitis

• Meibomian gland function

• Contact lens material and replacement schedule

• Signs of Demodex infestation

Identifying the underlying cause allows us to recommend treatment based on your individual needs.
 

For patients diagnosed with Demodex blepharitis, treatment options may include Xdemvy and other appropriate eyelid care recommendations.

Schedule a Contact Lens or Eyelid Evaluation at Eyes & Optics

If you experience persistent contact lens discomfort, itchy eyelids, redness, or irritation, an eye examination can help identify the cause.
 

At Eyes & Optics, our doctors provide comprehensive contact lens examinations and evaluate eyelid conditions such as Demodex blepharitis.
 

Whether you need treatment for an underlying eyelid condition, a different contact lens option, or guidance on improving contact lens comfort, we're here to help.
 

Call Eyes & Optics at 248-788-1610 or visit eyesandoptics.com to schedule an appointment.
 

At Eyes & Optics, we're proud to provide personalized eye care for individuals and families in Farmington, Farmington Hills, Novi, Commerce Township, West Bloomfield, Walled Lake, Livonia, Northville, Orchard Lake, Plymouth, Wixom and surrounding Metro Detroit communities.
 

Sources

1. Healio. Xdemvy Shows Benefit Over Other Demodex Treatments in Contact Lens Wearers. November 5, 2026.

2. ClinicalTrials.gov. Impact of XDEMVY on Demodex Blepharitis in Soft Contact Lens Wearers (ARIEL). Study NCT06182358.

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drug Trials Snapshots: XDEMVY. July 2023.

4. DailyMed. XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25%. Prescribing Information.

Theriot PE. Contact Lens Dropout? Start With the Lids. Optometric Management. September/October 2026.