Ivermectin 1% Cream For The Treatment Of Demodex Blepharitis
Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO596 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/5k2m-wy84
Authors: Rita Teixeira-Martins 1 , Inês Coelho-Costa 1 , David Alves* 1 , João Pinheiro-Costa 2 , Mário Lima-Fontes 1
1Ophthalmology,ULS São João,Porto,Portugal, 2Biomedicine,Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto,Porto,Portugal
Purpose
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ivermectin 1% cream for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
Setting
Barzilai Medical Center, Ashqelon, Israel.
Methods
Patients with confirmed Demodex blepharitis were prospectively recruited and treated with Ivermectin 1% cream for 2 months. Blepharitis symptoms, ocular examination findings, ocular surface disease index, and ex vivo eyelash Demodex counts were regularly assessed.
Results
Twenty-two patients were recruited, 6 were lost to follow-up and 16 entered the analysis. Mean patient age 62.97±13.24 years (32–80 years), 9(56%) were women. Mean Demodex counts improved after treatment from 1.63±0.08 to 0.07±0.03 parasites per eyelash(P<0.05); the ocular surface disease index score improved after treatment from 48.86±25.37 to 24.82±19.74 P< 0.05; and the overall blepharitis symptoms score improved from 38.17±21.73 to 18.81±16.02. (P<0.05). Significant improvement in disease symptoms (scored between 0-4) was noted including itching(2.31±1.32 to –1.00±1.07, P=0.008), burning(2.19±1.52to0.75±1.04, P =0.006), red eyes(2.06±1.28 to 1.06±1.2, P=0.029) and dandruff-like debris(1.88±1.66 to –0.5±0.83, P =0.014).
Conclusions
Treatment of Demodex blepharitis with Ivermectin 1% cream resulted in a decrease in parasite burden and improvement
in blepharitis signs and symptoms, with no reported adverse events. Ivermectin 1% might be a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of blepharitis associated with Demodex infection.