Ocular Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the face, and of them, more than 50% will experience eye-related symptoms. While there is a lot of research out there on ocular rosacea, a cure remains elusive. Fortunately, your eye doctor can help you manage your symptoms through medication and offer guidance on how to best manage this condition.

What is Ocular Rosacea?

Ocular rosacea is a common inflammatory eye condition that causes redness, itching, and burning sensations around the eyes in many people who have rosacea. The primary parts of the eyes that are affected are the eyelids, conjunctiva, and occasionally the cornea.

What Are the Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea?

Signs and symptoms of ocular rosacea are similar to dry eye. Those with the condition may experience:

• Burning, red, itchy, or watery eyes
• Grittiness or the feeling of having a foreign body in one or both eyes
• Red, swollen eyelids
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Recurrent eye or eyelid infections, such as blepharitis, pink eye (conjunctivitis), chalazia or styes
• Dilated small blood vessels on the sclera (the white part of the eye)

What Causes Ocular Rosacea?

The exact cause of ocular rosacea is unknown, but researchers have found that 85% of people with the condition have blocked oil glands around the edges of their eyelids. When these glands are blocked they cause dryness and the area around them can get irritated and swollen. This can lead to crust in your eyelashes and itching and redness in your eyes.

Other potential triggers:

• Bacterial involvement
• Blocked glands in the eyelids
• Environmental factors
• Eyelash mites
• Heredity

There are also a number of things that can aggravate ocular rosacea, including alcohol consumption, hot baths and saunas, hot or spicy foods and beverages, strenuous exercise, stress, sunlight, wind, and extreme temperatures.

Is There Treatment For Ocular Rosacea?

Yes. OptiLight IPL can successfully treat ocular rosacea.

Treatment can be conveniently provided in-office.

To learn more about ocular rosacea and dry eye, contact The Dry Eye Center at My Family Eye Care. We can help you prevent flare-ups and treat your ocular rosacea.

Our practice serves patients from Siloam Springs, Northwest Arkansas, Springdale, and Northeast Oklahoma, OK and surrounding communities.