Purpose:

To understand the prevalence of collarettes, a pathognomonic clinical sign of Demodex blepharitis, in U.S. eye care clinics today.

Methods:

This is a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients evaluated across geographically diverse eye clinics for the presence of collarettes on clinical examination. Factors that will be elucidated from each chart review will include the presence of collarettes, prior diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease, and use of prescription dry eye anti-inflammatories, lifitegrast (LIF) and/or cyclosporine (CSA).

Results:

A total of eight eye care specialists participated in this retrospective chart review in which 1121 consecutive patient charts were assessed. The presence of collarettes was observed in 58% of patients (655/1121). It was found that 20% of all patients (221/1121) were using a prescription topical anti-inflammatory (i.e. CSA 0.05% or 0.09%, LIF 5%) and that 22% of patients with collarettes were on CSA or LIF (144/655). Of patients on CSA or LIF, 65% also demonstrated collarettes (144/221).

Conclusions:

Collarettes and Demodex blepharitis are commonly seen among patients visiting eye care specialists. Demodex blepharitis can be seen in patients who are using a topical dry eye prescription anti-inflammatory drop. A prospective study is needed to better understand the true prevalence of Demodex blepharitis and collarettes in U.S. eye care clinics.