Ocular Rosacea: Symptoms and Treatment

Ocular rosacea is a condition of the eyelids which affects the eyes and skin around the eyes and upper part of the face, causing various symptoms, mainly involving dryness and irritation. It is related to a condition called rosacea, in which the facial skin is affected similarly. It is a severe condition, which, if left untreated, can even make a person blind. This complication is caused mostly in people with fair skin, due to exposure to sunlight and heat, heavy exercise, extreme cold temperature, and mental stress. Any person who experiences symptoms such as irritation, light sensitivity, reduction in visual acuity, redness of the eyelids or conjunctiva, should immediately consult an ophthalmologist. It is a condition accompanied by dry eyes, where there are chances of a secondary contagion, as bacteria such as 'staphylococci' have the ability to breed in a dry environment. This infection of the eye and skin around the eyes has many symptoms which are clearly visible on the eyes and areas surrounding the eyes, i.e. cheeks, forehead, or nose.

Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea

A person experiencing inflammation in his eyelashes or lid margins may be affected by ocular rosacea. This condition is known as 'blepharitis' which leads to redness, itchy, and burning eyes and eyelashes. An expanded or a swollen 'meibomian gland' (which lubricates the eyelids) is also a symptom of ocular rosacea. Such a condition is known as 'chalazia' or 'meibomitis'. If there is a problem in the meibomian gland, the person may experience dry eyes.

Other symptoms also include red and painful eyes, which may be a complication called as 'episcleritis' and 'scleritis'. Both these complications are a result of swollen blood vessels in the eyes. A more severe complication known as 'keratitis' is also a symptom of ocular rosacea, wherein the person experiences irritation in the 'cornea'. It leads to severe pain in the eyes, inability to see clearly, and a high sensitivity to light. If 'keratitis' is not treated in time, it may cause further complications. A person also experiences irritation in the iris, which is accompanied by severe pain in the eye and an unclear sight.

Other general symptoms include watery or bloodshot eyes, a feeling of the presence of a foreign particle in the eye, dryness in the eyes or a stinging sensation in the eyes. Most of the patients suffering from this disorder have a sense of a fullness in the eyelid, which is a result of inspissated secernments of the 'meibomian' or 'zeis' glands along the margin of the eyelid. In other words, if these glands are blocked or plugged, the eyes turn dry.

Treatment of Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea can't be cured, but can surely be treated and controlled. The kind of treatment to be used depends on the symptoms and their severity. However, there are some general precautions and steps to be followed, in order to reduce the symptoms. Individuals who are suffering from ocular rosacea are not supposed to have hot drinks, alcohol, or eat spicy foods, or foods that may increase the body temperature. The skin should not be exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiations and sunscreens should be applied on the skin.

Wearing sunglasses and hats when outdoors is also a method of reducing the effects of the disorder. If the skin irritation is treated, it can directly ameliorate the eye condition, which is why the treatment is normally carried out by an eye doctor and a dermatologist together. Eye complications can be reduced with lukewarm water compresses on the eyelids and scrubbing the eyelids gently. People affected with this infection should wash or clean their eyelids frequently. There are several antibiotics which can be taken orally, to treat ocular rosacea. However, the doctors don't suggest consuming oral tablets on a long term basis, as they may have some side effects. If the infection is very severe, the physician or ophthalmologist may prescribe steroid eye drops.

As ocular rosacea cannot be cured, one can prevent its symptoms by taking the above mentioned simple steps. But one should consult a doctor for treatments regarding this disorder.