Eyes on the Details: Woo’s Wisdom on Demodex Management and Pediatric Keratoconus
Key insights from Dr. Marc Bloomenstein’s “One is Too Many: When You Mite Want to Treat” and Dr. Hajirah Saeed’s “Pediatric Keratoconus: Evaluation, Management, Challenges and Outcomes.”
Pediatric Keratoconus:
Evaluation, Management, Challenges and Outcomes.
Ai Generated Image
Dr. Saeed started by discussing what keratoconus is, and what some co-existing factors and associations are in pediatrics, including trisomy 21, trisomy 13, and autism spectrum disorders. She noted that there is also a higher association with atopy and eye rubbing.
She then talked about the importance of keratoconus evaluation in children. Pediatric patients tend to progress faster, are often unable to tolerate contact lenses, and the condition can impact learning and academic outcomes, as well as development and quality of life. There is also a risk of permanent vision impairment if not treated, and keratoconus is often missed or misdiagnosed. She emphasized that timely intervention is most effective.
Ai Generated Image
Dr. Saeed also discussed insurance coverage and challenges, as well as future directions, including earlier and more accurate diagnosis and personalized and safer crosslinking protocols.
Her top takeaway was that pediatric patients with keratoconus cannot be evaluated or treated the same way adult patients can—especially patients with developmental delay.
One is Too Many: When You Mite Want to Treat.
He started by discussing what Demodex blepharitis is, and how it is highly prevalent but underdiagnosed—noting that two-thirds of blepharitis cases are due to Demodex infestation, leading to Demodex blepharitis.
He discussed the mechanism of disease, including mechanical, bacterial, and chemical factors, as well as the key signs and symptoms associated with the condition.
His top tip? Look at the lids! He stressed the importance of making sure you have your patients look down to properly assess the lashes—highlighting this as a crucial step in identifying signs of Demodex infestation.
Image: contamac.com
He also shared his best communication strategies when delivering a Demodex blepharitis diagnosis to patients, along with a discussion of the current treatments available.
This practical and informative session served as a reminder of how critical careful examination and clear communication are in managing this often-overlooked condition.
