Eye rosacea
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.
What causes eye rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea (ocular rosacea), including both skin and eye rosacea, is unknown. However, it鈥檚 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
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 AOA体育平台 Eye Centre today.
* We offer fast appointments Monday - Friday only.
Eye rosacea treatments
There is no cure for eye rosacea. However, it is possible to manage the condition with a combination of lifestyle changes, certain medications and laser treatment.
Lifestyle changes
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鈥檒l then work out ways to avoid these factors and reduce your symptoms.
Medications
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
Laser treatment
At AOA体育平台 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.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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鈥檛 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
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鈥檚 important to manage the symptoms of eye rosacea properly to avoid complications.
Laser treatment may not be suitable for you if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have epilepsy
- Are taking light-sensitive medication (e.g. Roaccutane)
- Have vitiligo
Please contact our team of experts who can help.
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