Abstract
Purpose: :
Demodex is a known inhabitant of the eyelid margin and has been reported to be a contributor in the pathogenesis of blepharoconjunctivitis. To date, however, no study has demonstrated a connection between chalazia and Demodex. We attempt to demonstrate a relationship between these two entities.
Methods: :
Chalazia specimens submitted to the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary between 1995 and 2006 were analyzed. These slides were examined by an experienced ocular pathologist using light microscopy to identify Demodex on the chalazia specimen.
Results: :
Demodex was isolated in 15 of 39 specimens (38%). In 2/15 samples (13.3%) the parasite was identified within the granuloma; whereas in 13/15 (86.7%) the organism was an isolated finding on the slide.
Keywords: microscopy: light/fluorescence/immunohistochemistry • eyelid • lesion study