The Demodex mite is a type of parasite that lives on humans and can reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These mites are arachnid (eight-legged) and invisible to the naked eye, varying in size from 0.1mm to 0.4 mm long. They typically live on the face and in the hair follicles of the eyebrows, eyelids, roots of the eyelashes, facial hair, and around the ears and are associated with various skin problems of the eyes and face, such as blepharitis and acne rosacea.
Demodex can affect humans at any age, but their presence increases in prevalence with increasing age. Immunity compromised patients such as diabetics, patients on long-term corticosteroids or chemotherapy, or patients who have HIV/AIDS also have increased risk and prevalence of Demodex infection. Usually, when the immune system is weakened and the parasitic population has colonized, this disease can badly damage the skin.
There a lot more to your eyelids than just lashes and skin, There may be an excessive amount of unwanted oily residue. This accumulation can be subtle and hard to see with your naked eyes. Only a thorough eye exam can detect problems on your eyelids that may worsen your dry eye symptoms.
ZEST, or Zocular Eyelid System Technology, is a gentle, clinically effective office procedure that can only be performed by using ZocuKit, which was specifically developed to deep clean and optimize the health of your eyelids without the trauma or discomfort associated with traditional eyelid debridement processes. ZEST uses a proprietary micro-matrix Zocuswabs to bind and lift away all the eyelid debris with surgical precision. A daily at-home regimen with ZocuShield. ZocuWipe, and/or ZocuFoam is then used to maintain and accecuate the beneficial effects from ZEST.
ZEST offers a promising approach for the treatment of Demodex infestations, providing a multifaceted solution that targets both the mite population and associated symptoms, thereby potentially improving the quality of life for affected individuals. Request an appointment to start your ZEST treatment today!