Article: Eye mites carry bacteria that can cause infection, especially if you have rosacea. If you have rosacea, pay attention to any changes in your eyes. Signs of an allergic reaction include: Watery eyes Eyes that hurt Red eyes Swollen eyes Most people know when they have an eyelash in their eye because it feels like something is in your eye. Eye mites can also make you feel like a foreign body is in your eye. Your eyelids may also feel itchy and you might experience a burning sensation in your eyes. You should also consider if your vision has changed. If your eyesight becomes blurry, you may have eye mites. Unfortunately, you won't be able to look at your eyelashes and eyelids and tell if you have eye mites. They're so small that they can only be seen under magnification. But, you may notice your eyelids become thicker or crusty if you have eye mites. And, you might lose eyelashes if you have mites. Your eyelid can also look red if you have eye mites, especially along the margin or edge. The risk of eye mites increases as you age. Some studies estimate that over 80% of people over the age of 60 have eye mites and that these tiny creatures may are present on many children too. People with the skin disorder rosacea often have eye mites. Eye mites are just as common in men as in women with a similar distribution worldwide regardless of race. If you experience any of these symptoms, you might have eye mites. Unfortunately, they're so small that you can't tell if you have them just by looking at your eyes. And, since many of these symptoms could be caused by other eye problems, you'll have to go to the doctor to know if you have eye mites. You can also ask your eye doctor to make an eye mites diagnosis or check your eyes for another eye condition that could be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will have you sit at a slit-lamp. If you've ever had your eyes checked, the eye doctor used a slit-lamp. You sit with your chin and forehead on a support while a bright light and microscope examine the front of your eye. The doctor will look for the small mites which will be attached to the base of your eyelash. Sometimes, the doctor will pull out an eyelash or two to examine under a microscope. Some doctors will pull an eyelash in order to show you the mites under the microscope. If the doctor doesn't see any mites, you'll be checked for other conditions that could be causing your eye irritation (like allergies or a foreign object in your eyes).
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Watch for allergic reactions. Think about how your eyes feel. Look at your eyes. Consider your risk factors. Contact your doctor. Get an exam.