Ocular Rosacea and Dry Eye

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the face, and of them, more than 50% will experience dry eye symptoms.

Fortunately, Dr Papp uses the latest technology, OptiLight, to treat this condition and provide long-lasting soothing relief.

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.
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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.

OptiLight Treatment For Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea can usually be controlled with an in-office treatment known as OptiLight, this has been proven to provide long-lasting soothing relief.

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 Luxe Vision and Optical. We can help you prevent flare-ups and treat your ocular rosacea-induced dry eye.
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