Rosacea is usually not
considered to be a dangerous condition as it is basically
a common but chronic skin condition. However the development
of Ocular Rosacea can be classed as a serious condition
that needs to be brought quickly under control as in
severe cases, it could lead to the loss of vision.
If you have rosacea and an accompanying problem with
your eyes such as irritation in the eyes, light sensitivity,
a decrease in visual ability, an obvious inflammation
of the lids or conjunctivitis, then you need to see
an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
The main problem with ocular rosacea is the possibility
of a secondary infection. A dry environment such as
occurs with ocular rosacea provides a good breeding
ground for bacteria including staphylococci.
Signs and symptoms of Ocular Rosacea
Statistics tell us that between 50 to 60% of all
those with rosacea also have ocular rosacea of which
some 20% have the ocular problems before the skin
problems themselves. However, some 80% will first
develop skin problems on the face typical of rosacea
symptoms and then go on to experience ocular problems
with signs and symptoms such as:
• A burning and gritty sensation in the eyes.
• Chronically inflamed margins of the eyelids
even including scales and crusts.
• Pain and abnormal sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• Blepharitis with burning, itching and irritation
of the lids. Also sandy, itchy eyes; red or swollen
eyelids; crusty, flaky skin on the eyelids. In severe
cases, there may be sties, irritation and inflammation
of the cornea or conjunctivitis.
• Keratitis is a more serious further condition
and is the term used to cover a range of ocular conditions
where there is infection or inflammation of the cornea
sometimes resulting in severe eye pain, blurry vision
and sensitivity to light.
• Iritis is the inflammation of the iris and
symptoms include eye pain, sensitivity to light and
blurry vision. This is very similar to conjunctivitis.
How to treat Ocular Rosacea
Obviously, the onset of any of these symptoms will
ensure that you visit an ophthalmologist for diagnosis
and treatment. Doctors usually treat the eye problems
of rosacea with oral antibiotics, particularly tetracycline
or doxycycline. Some doctors will recommend cleaning
the eyelids gently with diluted baby shampoo or an
over the counter eyelid cleaner if infections of the
eyelids occur. They also suggest applying just warm
compresses several times a day. In severe cases, doctors
may prescribe steroid eye drops.
In addition here are some helpful hints for caring
for the Ocular Rosacea condition:
• Increase your liquid intake so that you increase
the moisture in your eyes. Make sure you drink 8 to
10 glasses of water daily and this will ease many
of the symptoms of ocular rosacea. Eye cell (and skin)
regeneration only takes place through the use of water.
It is absolutely essential for new cell regeneration
of the eye, skin and all body organs. We cannot over
emphasize the importance of an increased water intake.
• The dry eye symptom can also be treated with
safe artificial tears or drops (those that do not
contain any preservatives) up to 4 times per day.
• A home humidifier is a useful piece of equipment
for adding valuable moisture to the air.
• Follow a balanced diet and try to include
at least 3 helpings per week of food from the Omega-3
group – oily fish such as pilchards, mackerel
or sardines – or you can take an Omega-3 fatty
acids supplement on a daily basis.
• Be careful of the makeup you use around your
eyes. Eye make up, such as mascara, eye liner or eye
shadow, should be replaced every 3 months as these
containers can become contaminated with airborne and
skin bacteria, and pollutants. Anti-wrinkle creams
may have harsh anti-aging ingredients so check on
these.
It is not easy when you suffer from ocular rosacea
and you will have to persevere with your treatment
and with your homecare. Treatments will definitely
be more effective the earlier they are started.
