Eye mites may sound like something out of a horror story, but they’re more common than you think. Also known as Demodex eye mites, these microscopic creatures live on almost any skin.

For most, they are harmless. But when their population gets out of control, they can cause irritation, discomfort, and even eye problems. Knowing how to recognize and control them is important, especially as we get older.

What are eye mites?

Demodex mites are small parasites that live mainly in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, according to WebMD.

There are two main types: Demodex folliculorum, which lives in hair follicles, and Demodex brevis, which prefers sebaceous glands. Although these mites naturally coexist with humans, factors such as age, poor hygiene, or a weakened immune system can cause their numbers to increase, leading to problems such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).

Signs that you might have eye mites

Although not everyone feels symptoms, excessive growth of Demodex mites can cause noticeable discomfort. Signs include:

Red, itchy or swollen eyelids.
A sandy or burning sensation in the eyes.
Encrusted dirt around the base of the eyelashes.
Loss or thinning of the eyelashes.
Increased sensitivity to light.

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