Comparing the in vitro effects of MGO™ Manuka honey and tea tree oil on ocular Demodex viability

• Published in: Contact lens & anterior eye 2018-12, Vol.41 (6), p.527-530
• Main Authors: Frame, Katie, Cheung, Isabella M.Y., Wang, Michael T.M., Turnbull, Philip R., Watters, Grant A., Craig, Jennifer P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blepharitis; Demodex; Eyelid cleanser; Eyelid hygiene; Manuka honey; Tea tree oil
• ISSN: 1367-0484; 1476-5411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2018.06.006

•In vitro anti-parasitic efficacy study of 52 Demodex mites.•Mites were randomised to cyclodextrin-complexed and uncomplexed Manuka honey, tea tree oil, or no treatment application.•Mite viability was assessed for 240 min following treatment application.•Cyclodextrin-complexed Manuka honey demonstrated comparable anti-demodectic efficacy to 50% tea tree oil (TTO).•Complexed honey with proven in vivo tolerability shows promise as possible alternative to TTO for demodex eradication. To compare the in vitro antiparasitic effects of MGO™ Manuka honey and tea tree oil against ocular Demodex. Fifty-two viable Demodex mites were acquired from the epilated eyelashes of 9 participants with blepharitis and symptomatic dry eye. Viable mites were randomised to one of five treatment groups: cyclodextrin-complexed and uncomplexed Manuka Honey, 100% and 50% tea tree oil, and no treatment. Following treatment application, mite viability was assessed for 240 min, based on limb and body movement and/or the development of a crenated/translucent appearance. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was then performed. The log-rank test demonstrated a significant treatment effect on the survival distribution of Demodex mites (p