Ocular Rosacea

Many of us have heard, or know first hand, about rosacea of the skin. It's not so well known that rosacea can affect the eyes as well. The causes are not fully understood for either type of rosacea, and there is no cure for either type. Each case of ocular rosacea is individual and it occurs in about 60 percent of skin rosacea cases.

Both types involve the blood vessels and inflammation. Ocular complications progress independently of any skin rosacea. Rosacea in general has been associated with ongoing dehydration, and with acid bodily fluids resulting from an acid diet. But research is ongoing and for each medical professional who supports any given treatment, another opposes it.

Common rosacea symptoms

Ocular rosacea features a gritty feeling as if there's a foreign body in the eyes. The eyelids may become swollen and inflamed, with small bumps and crusting. The eyes become bloodshot and in some cases the lashes fall out. The eyes are very sensitive to bright light, especially sunlight, and easily become dry.

Infection can develop in various parts of the eyes, such as:

• The conjunctiva (lining of the eyelids) -- conjunctivitis
• The iris (colored part) -- iritis
• The cornea (clear front part) -- keratitis, which can lead to blindness

More severe symptoms

• Growth of abnormal blood vessels on the cornea
• Corneal infection
• Corneal ulcers
• Corneal perforation as a result of untreated corneal ulcers

Rosacea Treatment

Moisturizing eyedrops can be used several times a day to combat dryness, but be sure those drops have no preservative in them, as that chemical can increase redness and irritation.

• Antibacterial eyedrops can be used to combat infection
• Tetracycline can be given systemically to decrease bacteria throughout the body
• Steroid eyedrops are sometimes given in severe cases
• Tear drainage ducts can be surgically plugged in a reversible procedure
• Those ducts can be cauterized, meaning permanently blocked

You can read more at the International Rosacea Foundation. To find an ophthalmologist in your area, please use the drop-down menu at the top right of this page, or the links below.