How do you know if you have eyelash mites?

Eyelash mites are usually harmless and do not cause any symptoms, so it is often difficult to know whether a person is carrying them, says Consumer Health Digest. An overgrowth of mites may cause the eyelash area to become inflamed and eyelashes to fall out, a condition known as demodicosis.

Anyone can have eyelash mites, but they are more prevalent among the elderly. Up to 80 percent of people over age 60 carry eyelash mites, according to HealCure.org. Eyelash mites are also found more often in women who wear mascara, people with oily skin and people who do not wash their face before bed.