If you’ve ever woken up with dry, itchy eyes, the culprit might not be allergies or lack of sleep — it could be microscopic creatures living in your eyelashes. These tiny mites, known as Demodex, live in the hair follicles of your face and come out at night to feed and mate. While almost everyone has them, an overgrowth can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling in your eyes.
What Are Eyelash Mites?
Demodex mites are naturally present on human skin, especially around the eyelashes and sebaceous (oil) glands. In small numbers, they are harmless. But when their population grows too large — often due to poor hygiene, excess oil, or a weakened immune system — they can cause inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) and contribute to chronic dry eye syndrome.
Common Symptoms of Demodex Overgrowth:
- Itchy, irritated, or burning eyes
- Dryness or a gritty feeling in the eyes
- Red or swollen eyelids
- Crusty debris at the base of your eyelashes (especially in the morning)
- Eyelash loss or thinning
Natural Home Remedy to Help Control Eyelash Mites:
Here’s a simple, natural remedy you can try at home to help reduce Demodex mites and soothe your eyes.
