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Demodex treatment in external ocular disease: the outcomes of a Tasmanian case series

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Abstract

Demodex species (spp.) have previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of blepharitis. This study aims to correlate improvement in symptoms of external ocular disease with treatment of underlying Demodex spp. This is a prospective, observational case series of patients with chronic external ocular disease. Demodicosis was confirmed by microscopic examination of epilated eyelashes. The main outcome measure was response to the treatment (5 % tee tree oil) in regard to change in subjective symptoms utilising a symptom-based patient questionnaire assessment. Overall patients had a good response to the treatment in terms of improvement or resolution of symptoms, with 91 % of patients reporting at least some improvement in symptoms. The treatment of underlying Demodex spp. appears to result in improvement of symptoms in patients with long standing external ocular disease and underlying Demodex spp. infestation.

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Acknowledgments

All authors certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organisation or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tasmanian Eye Clinics, Glenorchy, Australia

    Stephen G. Nicholls

  2. Menzies Research Institute, Hobart, Australia

    Stephen G. Nicholls

  3. Tasmanian Eye Institute, 36 Thistle St West, South Launceston, TAS, 7249, Australia

    Carmen L. Oakley, Andrea Tan & Brendan J. Vote

  4. Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Carmen L. Oakley

Authors
  1. Stephen G. Nicholls
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  2. Carmen L. Oakley
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  3. Andrea Tan
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  4. Brendan J. Vote
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Correspondence to Carmen L. Oakley.

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Nicholls, S.G., Oakley, C.L., Tan, A. et al. Demodex treatment in external ocular disease: the outcomes of a Tasmanian case series. Int Ophthalmol 36, 691–696 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-016-0188-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-016-0188-5

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