Eye Mites: Hundreds Of Tiny Parasitic Mites May Be Living In Your Eyelashes

If you love nothing more than snuggling up close with your pets, you may want to book an appointment with your doctor or optician.

Demodex mites, also known as eye mites, can be passed from animals to humans and love nothing more than bedding down in your eyelashes.

If the tiny parasitic mites get out of hand, they can cause permanent damage including blurred vision and dry eyes.

In the video above, CBS Miami reporter Ted Scouten went for a checkup with Dr Norman Herskovich after he found out he was living with eye mites two months ago.

Dr Herskovich said Scouten probably contracted the mites because the reporter used to sleep with his cats and allowed them to climb on his pillows.

"Demodex are found everywhere...but when patients have pets I tend to find they have more demodex in their eyes than non-pet owners," he said.

CBS Miami

Demodex

Unfortunately, moist hair follicles make the perfect breeding ground for the mites, which is why they're often attracted to eyelashes.

"They try to avoid light, so what ends up happening, as awkward as it sounds, is that when we go to bed at night they come out and they mate," Dr Herskovich explained.

Eyelash mites are fairly common, particularly among older people. Previous research from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that over 80% of people will have colonisation of their eyelashes by demodex.

Scouten has been soothing his eyelashes with tea tree oil for the past two months, but in the video he is seen having the next stage of treatment - eyelid exfoliation.

The process removes mites and bacteria from the lid margins and takes about twenty minutes to complete.

Due to the longterm health risks associated with large infestations, Dr Herskovich said it's important for everyone to get their eyes checked by a doctor or optician regularly, even if they don't need glasses.

Top Foods For Eyesight

Kale, Spinach And Collards(01 of06)

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that protect and maintain healthy cells -- and they're abundant in these dark, leafy greens, Caplan explains. She quotes The American Optometric Association, which has reportedly said they act like "internal sunglasses" that can "filter harmful blue waves."Another bonus?"These [greens] are also high in vitamin A, which is good for the eyes," Caplan said. (credit:Alamy)

Oysters(02 of06)

Zinc deficiency has been linked to impaired vision and poor night vision, as well as cloudy cataracts, Caplan says. But getting plenty of of the nutrient can work wonders, slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration, which is a common condition in adults age 50 and older.Oysters are a great source of zinc, Caplan explains. And if they're not exactly your thing, she suggests trying lobster, salmon, beef or milk instead. (credit:Alamy)

Apricots(03 of06)

Apricots are a good source of beta carotene and lycopene, both carotenoids that can help promote good vision, explains Elisa Zied, an author and registered dietitian.Indeed, the Macular Degeneration Association explains that the body converts beta carotene into vitamin A, which resists damage to cells and tissues, including the eye lens."Continued oxidative stress may result in the development of cataracts or damage the blood supply to the eyes and lead to macular degeneration," the organization says. (credit:Alamy)

Sweet Potatoes(04 of06)

"It's prudent for people to follow current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, consuming at least three-and-a-half or four cups of produce each day," Zied says. And she recommends that people pay particular attention to eating plenty of fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamins C and A -- which is why sweet potatoes are high on her eye-health list.In fact, a one-cup serving of sweet potato has more than the full daily requirement for vitamin A. And yes, there is another orange, vitamin A-rich option that's more commonly associated with protecting our peepers: Zied also recommends good ol' carrots. (credit:Alamy)

Eggs(05 of06)

Eggs are another food that's relatively high in zinc, Caplan explains. They're also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids and lutein. As Tufts nutritional biochemist told FitSugar, eggs don't contain as much of that particular carotenoid as the leafy greens that are also on this list, but "the body is able to absorb these antioxidants better from eggs," she says. (credit:Alamy)

Wheat Germ(06 of06)

"Vitamin E might slow macular degeneration [and can also] decrease risk of cataracts," Caplan says (although WebMD cautions that studies looking at possible benefits for cataracts have been inconclusive).She recommends wheat germ as her top source for vitamin E, as well as other tasty options like almonds, sunflower seeds, peanut butter and the aforementioned sweet potato. (credit:Alamy)

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