Rosacea affects the skin on your face, but did you know it can also affect your eyes? More than half of people with rosacea experience eye symptoms and may be diagnosed with ocular rosacea—a subtype of rosacea that causes inflammation of the eyes. Ocular rosacea is often mild, but if left untreated, it can worsen, potentially leading to scarring and vision loss. People with rosacea are also at increased risk of developing glaucoma and, in rare cases, serious corneal diseases. Here's what you need to know about rosacea and eye health so you can get the care you need.
How does rosacea affect your eyes?
If you're wondering, "Does rosacea cause eye problems?", the answer is that it certainly can. Researchers aren't entirely sure why rosacea affects the eyes in addition to the skin, but the immune system, the vascular system, and the microorganisms that make up the skin's microbiome likely all play a role. When rosacea affects the eyes, they can become dry, itchy, and red with visible blood vessels. If you experience any eye symptoms, it's important to see an ophthalmologist right away for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.
What is ocular rosacea?
Ocular rosacea is an inflammatory condition that affects the eyes. Most people with ocular rosacea also have cutaneous rosacea, although some develop eye symptoms before skin symptoms. Other people with ocular rosacea may not experience skin symptoms but do experience eye problems. The severity of the skin symptoms does not determine the severity of the eye symptoms.
Symptoms of ocular rosacea include:
- Swollen eyelids
- Discoloration around the eyes
- Visible blood vessels in the white of the eye
- Watery eyes
- Dry eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Blurred vision
- The feeling that there is something in your eye
- Recurring styes or red eyes
- Loss of eyelashes
Common conditions that can occur as part of ocular rosacea include:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction : Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when the glands on your eyelids become blocked and/or don't produce enough oil. It can cause dry eyes and blepharitis.
- Dry eyes: Dry eyes occur when your tear film is unable to keep your eyes moist. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a possible cause of dry eyes. Symptoms of dry eyes include watery eyes, redness, itching, burning, and stinging.
- Blepharitis : Blepharitis causes itchy, inflamed eyelids. It can be caused by clogged sebaceous glands, bacterial overgrowth, or an overpopulation of demodex mites in the eyelash follicles.
- Chalazion : Also known as a meibomian cyst, a chalazion is a bump that forms on the eyelid due to clogged sebaceous glands. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is painless.
- Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the tissues lining the eyelid. Symptoms include redness of the whites of the eyes, crusting, discharge, swollen eyelids, and sensitivity to light.
What to do about ocular rosacea
If ocular rosacea is left untreated, it can worsen and lead to vision problems. Therefore, it's important to consult an ophthalmologist if you experience eye symptoms. If you have cutaneous rosacea, regular eye exams can help you monitor and manage any eye symptoms that may arise. If you don't have an ophthalmologist, your dermatologist or general practitioner can refer you.
Your ophthalmologist may recommend warm compresses, artificial tears, eyelid cleaning, or consuming omega-3 fatty acids. They may also prescribe eye drops, antibiotics, or recommend intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Talk to your ophthalmologist to develop a treatment plan that's best for you.
