BackgroundTo evaluate the ocular surface characteristics and the infestation of Demodex in Chinese paediatric and adult blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC).MethodsFifty consecutive patients with BKC and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. Lid margin characteristics and corneal disorders were evaluated under slit-lamp illumination. Four eyelashes were collected from each eye to examine Demodex infestation by light microscopy.ResultsCorneal neovascularization (P=0.001) and scarring (P=0.040) were significantly worse in children than in adults with BKC, whereas meibum quality was worse in adults (P=0.008). Diagnosis delay was longer in children with BKC than in adults (2.2 vs 1.2years, P=0.022). Demodex infestation was more frequent in subjects with BKC than in healthy subjects (56% vs 26%, P=0.002). The lid margin inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction were worse in Demodex-positive subjects than in Demodex-negative subjects with BKC.ConclusionsChildren with BKC had severer corneal disorders compared with adult BKC patients, which may be caused by a long-delayed diagnosis. Ocular demodicosis was more common in subjects with BKC. Ocular Demodex infestation was associated with worse lid margin inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction.
[1]Fudan Univ, Eye & ENT Hosp, Dept Ophthalmol, 83 Fenyang Rd, Shanghai 200031, Peoples R China;
[2]Minist Hlth, Key Lab Myopia, Shanghai, Peoples R China;
[3]Zaozhuang Municipal Hosp, Ophthalmol Dept, Zaozhuang, Shandong, Peoples R China
(8.0+极速模式)