The term “rosacea” is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects more than 16 million Americans. It typically causes redness and visible blood vessels that mainly affects the skin on the face. It can affect your eyes, too. When it does, it’s called ocular rosacea.
Ocular rosacea is a connected condition very common in people with this skin rosacea. Sometimes ophthalmic, or eye, rosacea is the first symptom that you may later develop the facial form. Since it is a common condition, there’s a lot of research about it, but a cure still hasn’t been found.
What Leads To Ocular Rosacea?
Ocular rosacea generally influences individuals who have skin disorders. The definitive cause of both the conditions is yet unclear. According to research, the cause may be hereditary. The typical symptoms are irritated, red, gritty eyes. The eyelids may develop red too and there may be crusting. Potentially serious eye conditions may occur in more severe cases.
There have also been results that show bacteria, blocked glands in the eyelids, and environmental factors can result in facial and ocular rosacea.
Genetic Susceptibility: Although the genetic basis for rosacea has long been hypothesized, the Journal of Investigative Dermatology is the first study to find genetic variants associated with the condition. The genetic associations of rosacea may be due to a genetic link, but no genes have yet been identified.
Blood Vessel Abnormalities- Meibomian gland dysfunction causes an abnormal lipid composition which can lead to reduced vision. This may also cause inflammation and irritation to eyelids. When the patient is suffering from a dilated blood vessel, the typical form of treatment is laser during which an intense pulsed light is used to shrink them.
Demodex Folliculorum: This is a microscopic nit that exists harmlessly on the skin but it has been noticed in increased numbers in individuals with rosacea. It is probable that it chunks oil glands.
Extensive Sun Exposure Leads to Ocular Rosacea
Bacterial Infection – Rosacea is correlated with several gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis, hypochlorhydria, or a number of mucosal anomalies, and many patients have Helicobacter pylori disease. Pylori infection has been associated with numerous ocular complications that involve Sjögren syndrome, blepharitis, central serous chorioretinopathy, and uveitis.1,2,3
Can Ocular Rosacea Be Cured?
It is important to see a doctor if you develop symptoms of ocular rosacea. Rosacea isn’t curable, but there are treatments to help control symptoms. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the better, as it’s often helpful to get your signs under control.
Ocular rosacea can normally be managed with treatment and home eye remedies. However, these processes don’t heal the disorder, which often stays recurring or relapses after an evident decrease.
When curing ocular rosacea, a stepwise methodology can be undertaken, supported by topical and oral anti-inflammatory treatments, with late clinical involvement as required.
Doctors can do that by encouraging you to scrub your eyelids regularly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following:
- Dampen a washcloth with warm water.
- Mix baby shampoo with warm water, and apply that to the washcloth.
- Gently rub across your lash line.
- Use gentle pressure as needed to unblock pores.
Some of the treatment options involve:
Tear Film Supplementation- Artificial tears to help keep eyes moist.
Lid Hygiene- Warm compresses several times a day and gentle cleansing of the eyelid with baby shampoo for mild cases.
Topical Medications- Steroid eye drops and ointments to reduce redness and swelling
Supplements- For more serious incidents, physicians advise fatty acid supplements. The omega-3 in the fatty acid supplements functions to alleviate the meibomian glands in the eyelids.4,5
- Ocular rosacea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ocular-rosacea/symptoms-causes/syc-20375798
- Everything You Need to Know About Ocular Rosacea https://www.healthline.com/health/ocular-rosacea
- Ocular Rosacea Clinical Presentation https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1197341-clinical
- Ocular Rosacea Treatment & Management https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1197341-treatment
- Guide to Ocular Rosacea: Treatment and More https://www.nvisioncenters.com/conditions/ocular-rosacea/
- Treatments for Ocular Rosacea https://www.verywellhealth.com/ocular-rosacea-3422009
Also Read:
- Can A Dermatologist Treat Ocular Rosacea & Can You Wear Eye Makeup When You Have It?
- Is Ocular Rosacea An Autoimmune Disease & Does It Cause Blindness?
- Is Ocular Rosacea The Same As Blepharitis & Does It Spread?
- Who Should I See For Ocular Rosacea & Is There A Surgery For it?
- OTC Eye Drops/Creams For Ocular Rosacea
