Ocular rosacea stems from the skin condition rosacea which causes inflammation in facial tissues. The condition occurs most often in fair-skinned women between the ages of 30 and 60, but it may occur in anyone. Doctors do not have a cure for ocular rosacea, but certain lifestyle factors, such as dietary choices, may help prevent or reduce the severity of a flare-up. Knowing how diet may affect your condition may help you take control of your condition.
Symptoms
If you have ocular rosacea, you may experience symptoms such as eye irritation, dryness or a foreign body sensation. You may also have red eyes or eyelids, and you could have changes in your vision. The irritation and discomfort from the condition may also result in light sensitivity.
Dietary Triggers
Certain foods could trigger a flare-up of ocular rosacea. These dietary triggers include spicy food, alcohol and caffeinated foods and drinks. If you think a particular food triggers your condition, you may need to keep a food journal. Write down what you eat for each meal and snack, including beverages. You should also keep track of your symptoms, and this allows you to compare your dietary choices to the severity of your symptoms to help you narrow down a specific food.
Dietary Help
Although foods may trigger your condition, foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation associated with dry eye or other inflammatory symptoms. You can find omega-3 in foods such as salmon and other fatty fish, or you can eat plant-based foods with omega-3 like flaxseed and walnuts. Omega-3 will not cure or provide quick relief, but your doctor may recommend omega-3 to offer some help in controlling inflammation.
Treatment
Doctors do not have a cure for ocular rosacea, and, instead, can only treat your symptoms. In mild cases, you may only need to use lubricating eye drops to help with comfort on the surface of your eyes. In more severe flare-ups, your doctor may recommend oral or eye drop antibiotics.
Considerations
If you experience symptoms of ocular rosacea or other eye conditions, contact your doctor. Diagnosing and treating an eye condition early may help prevent your symptoms from worsening.
