Ocular Rosacea

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Ocular rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is inflammation that causes redness, burning and itching of the eyes. It often develops in people who have rosacea, a chronic skin condition that affects the face. Sometimes ocular (eye) rosacea is the first sign that you may later develop the facial type.

While there’s no cure for ocular rosacea, symptoms can often be managed through medication and eye care. However, instances of reoccurring symptoms are common.

Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea

When you have rosacea affecting the skin, you may not realize that your eyes also are involved if accompanying symptoms such as eye itchiness and eye redness are relatively mild.

People diagnosed with ocular rosacea commonly have chronically bloodshot eyes, dry eyes and blepharitis.

Ocular rosacea can cause photophobia (unusual sensitivity to light). If you are bothered by bright light, ask your eye care professional about photochromic lenses that automatically darken in response to sunlight.

In cases of severe ocular rosacea, inflammation of the cornea may lead to a corneal ulcer with infection. If left untreated, the corneal ulcer may even perforate the eye. This is a serious and potentially blinding complication.

Causes of ocular rosacea

Similar to skin rosacea, the direct cause of ocular rosacea is currently unknown. Ocular rosacea may be linked to one or more of the following factors:

Treatments for Ocular Rosacea

Effective treatment of rosacea requires a highly motivated patient willing to devote the time it takes to control the condition.

When ocular rosacea is present, treatment usually consists of lid hygiene measures that include daily cleansing:

  • Moistened Q-tips can remove debris and oily secretions.
  • Some eye doctors advise cleansing with dilute baby shampoo, while others believe plain water is best.

Most eye doctors will prescribe long-acting tetracyclines such as doxycycline, which can be taken once or twice a day. Furthermore, doxycycline, unlike traditional tetracycline, can be taken with food and milk products without preventing absorption in the body.

Over-the-counter treatment for ocular rosacea

For dry eyes, over-the-counter (OTC) saline solutions (artificial tear eye drops) may prove helpful. These can lubricate the eye and help prevent cornea damage.

However, eye drops that are intended to clear up red eye should be avoided. These can make your symptoms worse in the long run.

You can purchase eyelid washes at drug stores. Apply to a clean washcloth and gently rub side to side at the base of your eyelashes. Eyelid washes work to remove the crust that can develop.

Home and natural remedies for ocular rosacea

Homemade eyelid washes are also an option. The wash is just warm water and baby shampoo applied to a washcloth. It works in the same way as OTC eyelid washes.

Warm compresses can help to unblock glands and stabilize tear film. Warm compresses are recommended multiple times a day. A gentle massage of the eyelids may also work to free up the clogged glands that may be the root cause of inflammation.

Neither warm compresses nor eyelid massages are intended to be a quick fix and are often recommended as long-term habits to develop.

Media Contact:

Sarah Rose

Journal Manager Journal of Eye Diseases and Disorderss

Email: eyedisorders@emedsci.com

Whatsapp: +1-947-333-4405