Updated July 16, 2026, 3:18 p.m. ET
John Cena noticed an unsettling change in his vision, initially thinking it was just part of aging. However, alongside the blurriness came other symptoms: itchy, red eyes and a buildup of crust. This was concerning enough that he eventually decided to schedule an eye exam. During the visit, he discussed various topics with the doctor, including an unexpected one: “eye mites.”
These eye mites, also known as Demodex, are tiny parasites that typically inhabit the hair follicles and glands of the face, particularly around the eyes. While the idea of bugs on our eyelashes might sound alarming, it’s actually pretty common, and they can even contribute positively to our body’s microbiome. However, if their numbers grow too high, they can cause irritation and other serious issues.
Cena received a diagnosis of Demodex blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the eyelids caused by an overabundance of these mites. In response, he has teamed up with a biopharmaceutical company to promote XDEMVY, a prescription eye drop that targets and eliminates these pests.
As he approaches a major milestone birthday, Cena has been more reflective about healthy aging. For much of his life, he has prioritized fitness and nutrition—he started lifting weights at 12 and began using protein powder at 14.
Next year, he’ll celebrate his 50th birthday. The last decade has posed its own set of challenges, including a sobering skin cancer diagnosis and having two polyps removed during a colonoscopy at 45. Cena cheekily notes, “45 is the new 50.”
“I’ve always promoted taking care of your health,” he notes, “but I’m starting to see there are many more layers to it.”
John Cena ‘thought there was no way out’ after a series of health issues
Although Cena feels he caught his eye mites early, he wishes he would have sought an eye exam much earlier. He recalled a similar regret following his skin cancer diagnosis—he wished he had taken preventive measures sooner, like regularly using sunscreen instead of spending too much time in tanning beds.
“In my line of work, a tan looks healthy,” he explains. While dealing with his blurry vision, he dismissed it as an inevitable consequence of getting older.
If only he could have known then what he understands now, he aims to share his experiences to help others. These health scares once felt like they’d never end for him.
“It’s been a whirlwind of health issues hitting me one after the other, and I felt trapped,” he admits. “But you don’t just have to accept things as they are.”
Cena prefers a proactive approach to his health. Experiencing back pain? Pinpoint the issue and do flexibility exercises. Concerned about hair loss? He sought treatment and got a hair transplant. Blurry vision? Consult a professional for better solutions.
“I feel no shame over the procedures I’ve undergone. Honestly, I feel much better because I sought help,” he reflects. “My eyes and skin have improved.”
His experiences have been eye-opening: “I avoided colon cancer through screening. I thought balding was irreversible, but treatments exist. All of this has led to genuinely positive outcomes.”
