Skip to main content
dry-eye-dropper
person-circle-3-light
eye-pink-eye
Schedule an Appointment
Call 310-620-6603

Ocular Rosacea and Dry Eye

Home » Eye Care Services » Dry Eye » Ocular Rosacea and Dry Eye

Ocular Rosacea and Dry Eye

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the face, and of them, more than 50% will experience eye-related symptoms. While there is a lot of research out there on ocular rosacea, a cure remains elusive. Fortunately, your eye doctor can help you manage your symptoms through medication and offer guidance on how to best manage this condition.

What is Ocular Rosacea?

Ocular rosacea is a common inflammatory eye condition that causes redness, itching, and burning sensations around the eyes in many people who have rosacea. The primary parts of the eyes that are affected are the eyelids, conjunctiva, and occasionally the cornea.

What Are the Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea?

Signs and symptoms of ocular rosacea are similar to dry eye. Those with the condition may experience:

  • Burning, red, itchy, or watery eyes
  • Grittiness or the feeling of having a foreign body in one or both eyes
  • Red, swollen eyelids
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Recurrent eye or eyelid infections, such as blepharitis, pink eye (conjunctivitis), chalazia or styes
  • Dilated small blood vessels on the sclera (the white part of the eye)

What Causes Ocular Rosacea?

The exact cause of ocular rosacea is unknown, but researchers have found that 85% of people with the condition have blocked oil glands around the edges of their eyelids. When these glands are blocked they cause dryness and the area around them can get irritated and swollen. This can lead to crust in your eyelashes and itching and redness in your eyes.

Other potential triggers:

  • Bacterial involvement
  • Blocked glands in the eyelids
  • Environmental factors
  • Eyelash mites
  • Heredity

There are also a number of things that can aggravate ocular rosacea, including alcohol consumption, hot baths and saunas, hot or spicy foods and beverages, strenuous exercise, stress, sunlight, wind, and extreme temperatures.

Is There Treatment For Ocular Rosacea?

Ocular rosacea can usually be controlled with home eye care and medication, but these don’t actually cure the condition.

Treatment may include applying a warm moist compress to your eyelids. Your eye doctor might recommend antibiotics, prescribe eye drops, or ointments with steroids to help with your symptoms.

In rare circumstances, left untreated, severe ocular rosacea can damage your cornea or scar your eyelid. Both can affect your vision.

To help prevent flare-ups:

  • Gently wash your eyelids at least twice a day with warm water or a product your doctor recommends. This will keep your eyelids clean.
  • Avoid makeup. If your eyes are inflamed, makeup can irritate them. If you do decide to wear makeup when they aren’t inflamed, choose types that are non-oily and free of fragrance.
  • Avoid wearing contact lenses during flare-ups.
  • Avoid things that trigger or worsen your ocular rosacea. Items that tend to dilate blood vessels in the face include alcoholic beverages and hot, spicy foods.

To learn more about ocular rosacea and dry eye, contact Family Eyecare Center of Optometry. We can help you prevent flare-ups and treat your ocular rosacea-induced dry eye.

Our practice serves patients from Los Angeles, Westchester, Inglewood, and Playa Del Rey, California and surrounding communities.
Book An Appointment
Call Us 310-620-6603
Learn More About Dry Eye
contacts dry eye Thumbnail.jpg

Contact Lenses and Dry Eye

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Thumbnail 5.jpg

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction | A Leading Cause of Dry Eye Syndrome

What Is Lagophthalmos Thumbnail.jpg

Lagophthalmos and Dry Eye

Digital Eye Strain and Dry Eye Syndrome Thumbnail.jpg

Digital Eye Strain and Dry Eye Syndrome

What Are Dry Eyelids Thumbnail.jpg

What Are Dry Eyelids?

clock 5207235 1920 thumbnail.jpg

Waking Up With Dry Eyes 

Electronic Devices And Dry Eye Thumbnail.jpg

Excess Screen Time Can Lead To Dry Eye

Why Dry Eye Affects More Women Than Men Thumbnail.jpg

Why Dry Eye Affects More Women Than Men

Meibography Thumbnail.jpg

Meibography: Diagnosing Meibomian Glands For Dry Eye Treatment

eyes behind the leaf v2.jpg

Gritty Eyes and Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eyes As We Age Thumbnail.jpg

Aging and Dry Eyes

Dry Eye After LASIK Thumbnail.jpg

Dry Eye After LASIK EXPLAINED

Read Our Latest Posts
Childhood Glaucoma 640×350 1.jpg

Don’t Let Allergies Get in Your Way

The Risk Factors In Children Adolescents.jpg

How Diabetes Increases Dry Eye Risk in Children and Adolescents

Natural And Holistic Dry Eye Treatments2.jpg

Natural And Holistic Dry Eye Treatments

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.jpg

High Blood Sugar Linked to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction