Eye mites are tiny arachnids that can seem fantastic. They have eight legs and usually settle at the base of the eyelashes. Eye mites eat up skin cells and skin secretions. In the presence of eye mites, allergic reactions and even inflammatory diseases such as blepharitis are possible. Although eye mites are most common in the eyes, they can infect other parts of the body as well, which is why it is important to spot them as soon as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Symptoms of an Eye Mite Infection
Step 1. Pay attention to allergic reactions
Ticks carry bacteria that infect the eyes, especially if rosacea is present. If you suffer from rosacea, be especially vigilant about any changes in your eyes. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Lachrymation
- Feeling of heat in the eye
- Redness of the eye
- Puffiness of the eyelids
Step 2. Evaluate the sensation in the eye
Most people know the sensation when the eyelash hits the eye. Eye mites are felt in much the same way as a foreign body in the eye. The eyelids may itch and there may be a sensation of heat in the eye.
It is necessary to be attentive to the change in vision. If the environment looks vague, then an infection with eye mites is likely
Step 3. Look at the eyes
Unfortunately, it is impossible to detect eye mites on examination of the eyelids and eyelashes. The eye mites are so small that they can only be seen when magnified. However, you can suspect the presence of mites if the eyelashes become thicker, brittle, or begin to fall out.
In the presence of mites, the eyelids turn red, especially around the edge and in the corners
Step 4. Risk factors
The risk of tick infection increases with age. Most studies show that over 80% of people over the age of 60 have eye mites. Also, most children are susceptible to their infection. People with skin conditions such as rosacea are more likely to be infected with eye mites
Eye mites are equally common among both men and women, regardless of race and place of residence
Step 5. Consult your doctor
If you have any of these symptoms, you may be suspicious of having eye mites. Unfortunately, ticks are so small that they cannot be detected by a simple eye examination. While most symptoms can be signs of other eye conditions, it is recommended that you see your doctor if you suspect an eye mite infection.
Ask your doctor to check for eye mites and rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms
Step 6. Get tested
Before the examination, you must sit next to a slit lamp - an apparatus with which a microscopic analysis of the visible parts of the eye is performed. Typically, the chin and forehead need to be placed on a special slit lamp stand, and bright light will fall on the front camera of the eye. Using a microscope, your doctor will check the base of your eyelashes for mites. Sometimes doctors also take a pair of eyelashes for examination under a microscope.
- You can ask your doctor to have you examine your eyelashes under a microscope to make sure mites are present.
- If the doctor does not find ticks, then it will be necessary to exclude other eye diseases that cause inflammation (for example, allergies or the presence of foreign bodies).
Part 2 of 2: Treatment
Step 1. Wash your eyes
Mix equal amounts of tea tree oil and another oil such as olive, castor, avocado, or jojoba oil. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently rub over your eyelids and eyes. Leave the solution on your eyes until you feel discomfort. If you experience discomfort, rinse your eyes with warm water. Repeat the procedure every four hours for one week and then every eight hours for three weeks.
- Rinse your eyelashes and eyes regularly for four weeks to remove any mites from your eyelashes.
- Tea tree oil often causes irritation and allergies, so be sure to check with your doctor.
Step 2. Refresh your makeup
It is difficult to say for sure whether old cosmetics increase the risk of eye mites or not, but if you use cosmetics (especially mascara), then make sure that the mascara is not old. Remember to wash your brushes at least twice a month. Change cosmetics regularly:
- Change your liquid eyeliner every three months.
- The eye cream needs to be changed every six months.
- The eyeliner needs to be changed every two years.
- Change mascara every three months.
Step 3. Wash your laundry
Mites can survive in clothing and underwear (however, they are very sensitive to heat), so wash linens, towels, sheets, pillowcases, handkerchiefs, blankets, and any other items in hot, soapy water. Dry them on a high heat. Repeat the procedure at least once a week.
You should check pets for ticks and wash their belongings
Step 4. Seek medical attention
Talk to your doctor about using tea tree oil, although your doctor will likely prescribe an over-the-counter medication (such as permethrin or ivermectin), although their effectiveness has not been proven. Practice good hygiene for several months to prevent the mite eggs from hatching and infecting your eyes again.