How To Spot Eyelash Mites

Eyelash mites (Demodex mites) are microscopic organisms that naturally live on most people’s skin, especially around hair follicles and oil glands. In normal amounts, they’re harmless, but when they multiply excessively, they can lead to eye and eyelid problems.

There are two main types: Demodex folliculorum, which lives in hair follicles like eyelashes, and Demodex brevis, which prefers oil glands. Overgrowth can happen due to factors like aging, weakened immunity, or poor hygiene.

When this imbalance occurs, it can cause a condition called blepharitis (eyelid inflammation). Common symptoms include red, swollen, or itchy eyelids, a gritty or burning feeling in the eyes, crust or debris at the base of eyelashes, thinning lashes, increased sensitivity to light, and sometimes lash loss.