Demodex and Xdemvy

Understanding Demodex: The Tiny Mite That Can Cause Big Problems for Your Eyes

At Eyes & Optics, we see many patients with dry, itchy, or irritated eyes—and one of the most common, yet often overlooked, causes is a microscopic parasite called Demodex. These tiny mites can quietly wreak havoc on your eyelids and lashes, but with modern treatment options like XDEMVY™, relief is now more achievable than ever.

What Is Demodex?

Demodex mites naturally live on human skin, especially around hair follicles. In some individuals, particularly older adults, their numbers increase and cause inflammation in the eyelid area. Two species impact eye health:

• Demodex folliculorum lives in eyelash follicles.
• Demodex brevis hides deeper in the oil (meibomian) glands.

As their population grows, so do the problems they create.

Symptoms of a Demodex Infestation

You may be experiencing a Demodex-related issue if you notice:

• Red, itchy eyelids—especially in the morning
• A burning or gritty feeling in the eyes
• Crusty, scaly buildup around the eyelashes (collarettes)
• Recurring styes or chalazia
• Blurred vision from tear film instability

These symptoms often mimic other conditions like blepharitis or dry eye, so professional evaluation is essential.

Diagnosing Demodex

During your eye exam, we use magnification to examine your lashes and lid margins. The presence of cylindrical dandruff (collarettes) at the lash base is a classic sign. If needed, we may analyze a few lashes under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options: Introducing XDEMVY™

While tea tree oil cleansers and in-office treatments (like BlephEx) have helped many patients manage Demodex, we now have a groundbreaking FDA-approved treatment specifically designed to target and eliminate these mites: XDEMVY™.

What Is XDEMVY?

XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%) is the first and only prescription eye drop approved to treat Demodex blepharitis. It works by paralyzing and killing the mites directly at their source.

How Is It Used?

XDEMVY is applied twice daily to each eye for 6 weeks. It’s easy to use, well-tolerated, and proven to reduce collarettes, inflammation, and mite populations.

Clinical Benefits:

• Visible reduction in eyelid debris and inflammation
• Improved eyelid comfort
• High success rate with minimal side effects

For patients with moderate to severe Demodex, XDEMVY is a game-changer—and we’re proud to offer it as part of our treatment options.

Other Supportive Therapies

In addition to XDEMVY, we may recommend:

• Daily lid hygiene with specialty cleansers
• Warm compresses to support gland health
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce inflammation

Don’t Let Mites Bug You

If your eyes are constantly irritated, red, or crusty in the mornings, Demodex may be the hidden cause. Thankfully, it’s both diagnosable and treatable—especially with cutting-edge options like XDEMVY. At Eyes & Optics, we’re here to help you get clear, comfortable eyes again.

Call us today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and find out if XDEMVY is right for you.​​​​​​​