Posters

Severe bilateral keratitis caused by Demodex blepharitis

Poster Details

First Author: D.Wygledowska-Promienska POLAND

Co Author(s):    P. Gosciniewicz   L. Drzyzga   G. Mazur-Piotrowska   A. Piotrowska-Gwozdz   A. Swiatowska  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To present a case of 32-year old male patient with severe bilateral keratitis caused by Demodex blepharitis

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Independent University Hospital No.5, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland

Methods:

Demodex infestation on skin has been implicated in causing rosacea. In the eyelids, Demodex infestation gives rise to blepharitis The patient diagnosed with rosacea was referred to our Hospital from another ophthalmological center. On admission best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was: right eye 0,03. left eye 1,0. Diagnosis of severe keratitis and blepharitis in both eyes was made, local treatment consited of ofloxacin, tropicamide, chlorhexidine was applied. No response to the treatment was observed. Anterior segment OCT, confocal microscopy, videokeratography, smear of the conjunctival sac and demodecosis test were performed. Infection of Demodex folliculorum was confirmed.

Results:

Local treatment of the patient was changed to 50% tea tree oil 2 times daily, tobramycine 3 times daily, trehalose 5 times daily and systemic doxycycline for 4 weeks. Final BCVA was 0,03 in right eye and 1,0 in left eye. In the right eye huge stromal scar was formed. Now the patient is waiting for a corneal transplant in left eye.

Conclusions:

Demodex blepharitis may cause severe bilateral keratitis especially in patients with rosacea. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE