New Publication by Dr. Reut Ifrah and Dr. Liat Gantz in Clinical and Experimental Optometry

A new study by Dr. Reut Ifrah and Dr. Liat Gantz from the Department of Optometry, in collaboration with Prof. Eti Bitton from the University of Montreal, has been published in the scientific journal Clinical and Experimental Optometry. The research was conducted during Prof. Bitton’s visit to the department, and students as well as academic and administrative staff from the college participated in the study.

The study involved examinations to diagnose dry eye and to detect the presence of a parasite called Demodex in the eyelashes—a parasite linked to dry eye disease—among 101 students and staff members. The prevalence of dry eye among participants was 20%, which is considered relatively high. The prevalence of Demodex was higher in the upper eyelid (44%) compared to the lower eyelid (19%), and a significant association was found between symptoms of eyelid itching and the presence of Demodex in the upper eyelid.

Link to the article:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08164622.2025.2517754