CBS Miami reporter Ted Scouten couldn't believe what an optometrist discovered in his eyes. He had never heard of the condition, but apparently it affects millions of people, many of who don't even know they have it. What's more alarming is that it seems to affect pet owners more frequently. Ted had Demodex mites living in his eyelashes — here are 12 consumer items you can get rid of to prevent bacteria and mite buildup.
"I had never heard of eye mites, so when he said eye mites, it was just really gross, so yeah, I freaked out a little bit," Ted said. "But then, [the doctor] explained that there are a lot of people who have these, and a lot of people who own pets get them."
Eye mites are microscopic parasites that live in hair follicles. They're spread amongst humans and pets. The mites don't like light and tend to breed and reproduce on our lashes at night while we sleep. The mites only live for about three weeks, but their offspring will continue the breeding cycle if unstopped. Although the condition isn't very serious, eye mites can cause inflammation and irritation of the eyes.
While Ted's doctor told him his pets were probably the culprit, he has no plans on getting rid of them, just being more careful. Ted isn't going to let the cat sleep near his face, and while he'll never stop cuddling his cats and dogs, he will wash his hands afterward.
"It's not a matter of getting rid of your pets, it's just a matter of being more aware, I think, of washing your hands," Ted said.
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