# Bugs in my eyes **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 26, 2026, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575 "2026-08-26T15:38:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/1 "2026-08-26T15:38:32Z")
I was at the ophthalmologist today. My vision is ok, but it seems I have Demodex blepharitis. In slightly less scary words, overgrowth of eyelash mites. I knew that everyone has mites, but evidently these are more than usual and can cause irritation. (I haven’t noticed it.) I have to use special wipes a couple of times a day. Not too scary, but one more thing I need to treat. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/2 "2026-08-26T15:43:14Z")
Good conversation starter for certain types of conversational partners, though. May your bug-killing proceed swiftly. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/3 "2026-08-26T17:20:49Z")
“How can he see he’s got flies in his eyes if he’s got flies in his eyes?" ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/4 "2026-08-26T17:25:45Z")
I’ll take your word that we all have mites. But my question is: “Must I?” They haven’t been a problem, in fact I’ve never noticed them. But now that I know, can I rid myself of them? Please don’t tell me that a certain amount of Mite is required. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/5 "2026-08-26T17:53:53Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > Demodex blepharitis Not a good ice breaking conversation on a first date. LOL Do you have any idea how this occurred? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/6 "2026-08-26T18:14:27Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > I was at the ophthalmologist today. My vision is ok, but it seems I have Demodex blepharitis. In slightly less scary words, overgrowth of eyelash mites. Wait. That commercial didn’t make up demodex blepharitis? I was sure it was as made up as that other one about restless leg syndrome. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/7 "2026-08-26T18:22:17Z")
It just is, @Jasmine And it creeps me out. I really hate those commercials. Good luck. I need those wipes. Just for sanity. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/8 "2026-08-26T18:28:32Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > > [@RealityChuck](#): > > > > Demodex blepharitis > > Not a good ice breaking conversation on a first date. LOL > > Do you have any idea how this occurred? No idea. It can just happen as conditions make it easier for them to survive. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/9 "2026-08-26T18:31:00Z")
> [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](#): > > “How can he see he’s got flies in his eyes if he’s got flies in his eyes?" My first thought exactly! 😅 ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/10 "2026-08-26T19:00:28Z")
I am multitudes. So are you. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/11 "2026-08-26T19:09:48Z")
For those interested but unfamiliar, this is what they look like under a microscope: [![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRaXGIF5lCEak-KkNo8JcH7pchCvSLif8rxQLLVn1DeyA&s=10) ](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRaXGIF5lCEak-KkNo8JcH7pchCvSLif8rxQLLVn1DeyA&s=10) And _this_ is what an adorable kid looks like who wants to be one for Halloween: [![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmDTBpJ7F7Emmke7F5wDUR0WPoSzgp_WSNC8mYMJtjlw&s=10) ](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmDTBpJ7F7Emmke7F5wDUR0WPoSzgp_WSNC8mYMJtjlw&s=10) These images _actually_ represent [**Digger the Dermatophyte**](https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Digger_the_Dermatophyte). Any relation to a demodex mite is purely coincidental For those with genuine … almost scholarly interest: > **[Could Tiny Mites Be Causing Your Itchy Eyes?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/demodex-blepharitis)** > > Demodex blepharitis is a common condition that causes itchy eyes and puffy eyelids. It’s due to an overgrowth of normally harmless skin mites. Learn about treatment here. Generally speaking, it’s very wise to continue the treatment for the entirety of the recommended time period … sort of like antibiotics for an infection. Don’t stop early if you happen to feel relief. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/12 "2026-08-26T19:49:41Z")
That Cleveland Clinic article doesn’t have a good image showing how horrifying those little critters really are. [![](https://images.imagerenderer.com/images-medium-large/3-eyelash-mite-sem-power-and-syred.jpg) ](https://images.imagerenderer.com/images-medium-large/3-eyelash-mite-sem-power-and-syred.jpg) And here they are in their natural environment, buried in your eyelash follicle with their little tails poking out. [![](https://media.sciencephoto.com/image/z4450312/800wm/Z4450312-Eyelash_mite_tails_SEM.jpg) ](https://media.sciencephoto.com/image/z4450312/800wm/Z4450312-Eyelash_mite_tails_SEM.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/13 "2026-08-26T20:03:34Z")
Jesus H. Christ on a handtruck! If I thought plucking out my eyelashes would get rid of them, I’d strongly consider it! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/14 "2026-08-26T20:03:44Z")
Mmm-mmm-mmm; protein on the hoof as it were. All 8 (?) of them. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/15 "2026-08-26T20:11:46Z")
Well, my nightmares are set for a few nights. Thanks a lot! ---
**Author:** ![dwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwyr/32/363_2.png) [@dwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwyr)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/16 "2026-08-26T22:25:59Z")
I have those. They’re more common in people with rosacea which I also have. Yay me. If I don’t keep up with the eyelid scrubs my eyes get really itchy and irritated. Between that, my red cheeks/nose. and lack of equilibrium people probably think I’m plastered all the time. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/17 "2026-08-27T05:07:05Z")
My optometrist has a stuffed one in her office. [![](https://i.imgur.com/7NpbmDi.jpeg) ](https://i.imgur.com/7NpbmDi.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/18 "2026-08-27T11:35:56Z")
Awww, so cuuute!! I’ve seen a lot of different oddball anatomical models in various doctoring settings. But that’s a new one on me. I’ll have to ask my ophthalmologist about them when I see her on Monday. ---
**Author:** ![bobsmom101](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobsmom101/32/2867_2.png) [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/19 "2026-08-27T18:49:34Z")
These are the ones I’ve seen but it doesn’t look like they make a Demodex (yet) > **[GIANTmicrobes | Funny STEM Gifts & Plush Toys for Science Fans](https://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/)** > > Shop GIANTmicrobes plush toys based on microbes, organs, cells & more. Funny science gifts for students, teachers, doctors, and geeks of all ages. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575/20 "2026-08-28T00:33:42Z")
Hey, I have 5 or 6 eyelash transplants on my eye where I lost the orb. They continue to grow and I have to trim them. Sometimes. When I notice I am walking around with a cat eye look on an eye lid that sometimes doesn’t wanna blink. (Yeah. I get odd looks often) Lord I hope mites ain’t all up in that. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-my-eyes/1032575.md?page=2)