OBJECTIVES: Demodex blepharitis (Db) is a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin caused by an overgrowth of Demodex mites and has no FDA-approved treatments. This study assessed the humanistic burden of Db on patients’ daily lives.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online involving US adults who have been diagnosed with Db for ≥6 months. Data was collected between June – August 2022 to assess demographics, clinical symptoms, and the holistic burden of illness in Db patients. Patients also completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the University of North Carolina Dry Eye Management Scale (UNC DEMS), and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaires.

RESULTS: The survey included 113 patients with a mean age of 49 years (range 21-85), and an average time since Db diagnosis of 4 years. Despites of treatments, patients reported persistent symptoms including eye dryness (37%), redness (30%), itchiness of eyes (28%), and blurry vision (27%). Beyond the unresolved symptoms, patients reported an impact to their sense of confidence (69%), happiness (65%), and feeling unclean (61%). Patients stated medium-to-high impact on their daily activities such as reading (73%), driving (71%), and working (58%). Using the validated OSDI questionnaire, which measures the severity of eye symptoms, functional problems, and environmental triggers in the past week, 62% of Db patients scored greater than 33, indicating severe ocular surface disease burden. Furthermore, the mean UNC DEMS score in Db patients was 5.6, implying a substantially poorer quality of life due to eye related symptoms. Using the WPAI questionnaire, 75% of Db patients (who were currently employed or were students) reported overall impairment, which included absenteeism and impairment while working or attending class.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that Demodex blepharitis is a disease that significantly impacts patients’ daily activities, occupational performance, and overall quality of life.