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Ocular rosacea is characterized by inflammation leading to redness, burning, and itching in the eyes. It often emerges in individuals with rosacea, a chronic skin condition primarily affecting the face. In some instances, ocular rosacea may manifest as the initial indication preceding the development of facial rosacea. Typically affecting adults aged 30 to 50, it appears more commonly in individuals prone to blushing or flushing. While there is no permanent cure, managing symptoms can be achieved through medications, proper eye care practices, and trigger avoidance.
Ocular rosacea is also known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Symptoms
Ocular rosacea manifests symptoms affecting the eyes and the surrounding area, leading to irritation, pain, itchiness, and discomfort in the eyes and the adjacent skin. These symptoms can occur before, during, or after the onset of skin symptoms related to rosacea, or they may appear independently.
Generally, common symptoms include:
- Watering, itchy, red, or burning eyes
- Blepharitis, or eyelid swelling/inflammation
- Grittiness or the sensation that something unusual is in one or both of the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Photophobia, or light sensitivity
- Visible dilated small blood vessels on the white of the eye when looking in a mirror
- Crusty discharge in the eyelashes
- Recurrent infections of the eyes or eyelids, such as chalazia, sties, blepharitis, or conjunctivitis
- Redness or discoloration around the eyes
If any of the signs and symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Periodic eye examinations to monitor for the presence of ocular rosacea is necessary among those who have already been diagnosed with skin rosacea. Worsening symptoms or increased frequency of flare-ups should also be consulted with a healthcare provider. In case of severe symptoms such as intense pain, double or blurry vision, dizziness, or loss of vision, seek immediate medical attention at the emergency room.
Causes
The exact cause of ocular rosacea remains uncertain, though experts propose several potential factors, including genetics, bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, environmental irritants, circulatory issues leading to swollen blood vessels, blocked eyelid glands, and eyelash mites.
Certain circumstances and conditions are recognized as potential triggers for the disease, including:
- Exposure to UV light, such as sunlight or tanning beds
- Extreme weather conditions, like heat, wind, or cold
- Stress or anger, and other specific emotions
- Alcohol consumption
- Consumption of spicy foods
- Extreme exercise
Risk factors
Ocular rosacea can impact anyone, but certain groups are more prone to developing it, such as:
- Adults aged 30 to 50
- Individuals with skin rosacea
- Fair-skinned individuals of Celtic and Northern European descent
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ocular rosacea involves a physical examination of the eyes, eyelids, and facial skin, and assessment of symptoms. Details about the symptoms, medical history, and any triggers one has noticed are essential for an accurate diagnosis because there are no specific tests for ocular rosacea.
Treatment
The treatment for ocular rosacea focuses on managing symptoms rather than curing the condition, which often persists chronically. This involves identifying and avoiding the triggers. Recognizing what causes the symptoms is vital to preventing their occurrence since there is no known cure for this condition.
Medications and home eye care are commonly used to control ocular rosacea. This includes applying warm compresses to the eyes during and after bathing, using artificial tears or lipid-containing eye drops, washing the eyes with pH-balanced cleansers instead of regular soap, and always wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Oral antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, or minocycline may be prescribed temporarily, with longer courses needed for severe cases.
