Rosacea is a skin condition that primarily affects the face, often causing redness or flushing. Ocular rosacea is a form of the disorder that extends to the eye and manifests itself through dryness, inflammation of the eyelids, infection and the exaggerated appearance of the eye's blood vessels. The International Rosacea Foundation (IRF) explains that most people who have rosacea of the eye experience ocular symptoms along with redness of the skin, but this is not always the case. About 20 percent of the population of people with rosacea have eye symptoms before the usual skin symptoms appear. Treatment for ocular rosacea varies according to the specific symptoms displayed.
Eyelid Hygiene
A common type of inflammation consistent with ocular rosacea is called blepharitis. People who have blepharitis experience pain, swelling and crusty eyelids. Skin may flake on the eyelids and a feeling of "grit" in the eye may also occur. Treatment for this condition includes scrupulous eyelid hygiene to remove debris and reduce inflammation. Warm water compresses can be used to loosen crusted material and to control the burning, itching discomfort. A gentle cleanser such as a baby shampoo can be diluted with water and dabbed on the eyelids and eyelashes to keep the area clean and free of bacteria. Some people with blepharitis develop eye infections and may be prescribed medicated eye drops to further treat the condition.
Dry Eye Treatment
According to the National Rosacea Society, as many as 60 percent of people who have rosacea of the skin also exhibit eye symptoms. The majority of this population experiences dry eyes that may itch and burn. Treatment for dry eyes associated with rosacea includes the use of artificial tears to moisten the eyes. Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier, especially at night, can also help relieve dry eye symptoms resulting from rosacea. Severe dry eyes may require a surgical procedure that stops the tear ducts from draining. Obstructing the tear ducts' drainage system keeps more of a person's natural tears in the eye area and can be done on a temporary or permanent basis.
Medications
Ocular rosacea may cause infections of the cornea or the iris, called keratitis and iritis respectively. These two conditions are often treated with courses of antibiotics to clear the infection and to preserve vision. Both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial eye drops are prescribed to treat these conditions. Systemic (oral) anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs may be required, in some severe cases, to eradicate the source of infection.
Relieving Sties
Sometimes the oil glands located around the eye can become infected and form a hard bump. The bump, called a stye, can be very painful. Styes are not uncommon in rosacea sufferers, but in most cases can be treated at home without medications. Applying a warm compress to the affected area up to four times a day can help the stye resolve itself, either by disappearing or by opening up and draining.
Complications
Ocular rosacea can become very dangerous if the specific eye condition is not diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Keratitis is perhaps one of the most serious of ocular rosacea symptoms. It can lead to vision loss if the corneal infection is not treated. Recognizing individual triggers and trying to minimize outbreaks can help control both forms of rosacea and limit the damage done by ocular symptoms.
