Eye rosacea (ocular rosacea) is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease that causes redness, itching and burning around the eyes. It is associated with the common skin condition rosacea, which mainly affects people aged between 30 and 50. However, eye rosacea can occur first, making it an indicator that you may be predisposed to developing the skin condition.While skin rosacea is more common in women than men, eye rosacea affects both men and women equally.
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Eye rosacea symptoms
The symptoms of eye rosacea (ocular rosacea) can include:
- Irritated, itchy eyes
- A gritty feeling like there is something in your eye
- Dry eyes
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Small blood vessels in the white of the eye that are visible when you look in a mirror
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Stinging or burning in and around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Recurrent eye or eyelid infections, such as blepharitis (red, swollen eyelids), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) or sties (a painful, red bump)
- Inflammation, ulceration and scarring of the cornea (keratitis) – if you develop keratitis due to eye rosacea, you will need to seek treatment immediately
What causes eye rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea (ocular rosacea), including both skin and eye rosacea, is unknown. However, it’s thought to be a response to several genetic and environmental factors, such as:
- Bacterial infections (e.g. Helicobacter pylori), either on the skin or in the gut, which can cause blood vessel abnormalities and disrupt the health of your skin
- Blocked skin glands caused by a microscopic mite infection (Demodex folliculorum)
- Sun damage
- Having a history of migraines due to abnormal opening and closing (dilation and constriction) of the blood vessels
In addition to these potential causes, both skin and eye rosacea tend to be aggravated by certain factors, including:
- Sudden temperature changes
- Alcohol, particularly red wine
- Caffeine, for example in coffee and tea
Are there any home remedies for eye rosacea?
You cannot cure eye rosacea from home, but you can manage your condition by following a good eye care routine. To prevent flare-ups, stick to this routine even when the condition clears up:
- Wash your eyelids gently twice a day with warm water to keep them clean
- If your eyes are inflamed, don’t wear make-up. If you are able to wear make-up, avoid products that are particularly oily or contain fragrance
- Avoid wearing contact lenses during flare-ups, especially if you tend to get dry eyes
Are there any complications of eye rosacea?
If you get dry eyes, eye rosacea may affect the surface of your eye (cornea). In addition, if you have inflamed eyelids (blepharitis), you may have an irritated cornea.
In both these cases, corneal complications can lead to visual symptoms and even a loss of vision. As a result, it’s important to manage the symptoms of eye rosacea properly to avoid complications.
What other factors aggravate eye rosacea?
In addition to the causes above, additional factors include:
- Spicy foods
- Hot drinks
- Strenuous exercise
- Extreme temperatures, such as sunlight and wind
- Some skincare products
- Emotional stress, anger or embarrassment
- Hot baths or saunas
- Medications that dilate blood vessels, such as those designed to treat high blood pressure
- Humidity
- Dairy products
- Coughs, colds and fevers
When to see a consultant?
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin rosacea, it’s important to have regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist so that they can keep an eye on whether you’re developing signs of eye rosacea.
Otherwise, if you have any of the symptoms above, you should make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist so that they can help you manage the condition and find a sense of relief.
Eye rosacea diagnosis
There are no specific tests or procedures for diagnosing eye rosacea (ocular rosacea). Instead, a dermatologist will examine the skin on your face, eyes and eyelids.
In addition, they will ask you about your medical history, including your general health and any other symptoms. They will then make a diagnosis based on the gathered information.
If you want to be assessed for eye rosacea, book an appointment with one of the specialists at The London Clinic Eye Centre today.
Our experts
Eye rosacea treatments
There is no cure for eye rosacea, but it can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes, medication and, in some cases, laser treatment. Laser therapy is not suitable for everyone - for example, it may not be recommended if you are pregnant, have epilepsy, are taking light-sensitive medications such as Roaccutane, or have vitiligo. Please contact our team of experts, who can advise on the safest and most appropriate options for you.
Because eye rosacea can be exacerbated by environmental and lifestyle factors, your doctor will first work with you to identify any triggers or factors that may be making your symptoms worse. Together, you’ll then work out ways to avoid these factors and reduce your symptoms.
Medicines that can be used to help control eye rosacea include:
- Topical spot treatments, which you apply directly to the skin
- Antibiotic tablets, which need to be taken for several weeks or months
- Isotretinoin, a potent acne treatment that can also be used to treat rosacea
- Eye drops that can help with dry eye
- Rosacea eye cream and ointments
At The London Clinic Eye Centre, we offer laser treatment for eye rosacea. This can be used to help control the redness, noticeable veins and flushing symptoms of the condition.
Laser treatment can help rosacea in two ways:
- By targeting visible blood vessels, helping them to shrink and become less noticeable
- By reducing the thickness of the skin, particularly around the nose
The side effects of laser treatment include burns, blisters, scars and changes in the colour of your skin.
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