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Ocular RosaceaIt
is estimated that about 50% of Rosacea sufferers also have problems with their
eyes. This is called Ocular Rosacea. Sometimes eye problems precede skin related
rosacea symptoms though it is more common for the skin symptoms to appear first.
General Symptoms
An eye affected by rosacea often appears
to be watery or bloodshot. Patients may also have the sensation of a gritty or
foreign body in the eye, or perhaps a dry, burning or stinging sensation. In the
majority of ocular rosacea patients, there is a feeling of fullness in the eyelid.
This is usually the result of thickened secretions of the meibomian or Zeis glands
along the eyelid margin. The fatty secretions help to avoid evaporation of the
watery layer of the tears. The plugging of these glands may lead to dry eye or
styes, both common manifestations of ocular rosacea. Many sufferers also report
a sensitivity to light and blurry vision Specific
Conditions - Blepharitis
- this is the inflammation of eyelashes or lid margins. Blepharitis often results
in red, itchy, burning eyes as well as scales and crusts on the eyelids. Included
in this group of conditions are infections of eyelash follicles. Other conditions
include chalazia or meibomitis which is an enlarged, inflamed or plugged meibomian
gland (this is the gland which lubricates the eyelids). Problems with the meibomian
gland can result in dry eyes.
- Red,
painful eyes may be the result of conditions known as episcleritis and scleritis.
Both of these conditions involve inflamed blood vessels in the eye.
- Keratitis
is one of the more serious conditions which may occur and is a term which is used
to describe a range of conditions where there is infection or inflammation of
the cornea. Medical evaluation and treatment of keratits is absolutely essential.
- Iritis
is the inflammation of the iris. Symptoms include eye pain, sensitivity to light,
and/or blurry vision.
As with facial rosacea, ocular rosacea patients are also encouraged to identify
and avoid any lifestyle or environmental factors that may trigger or aggravate
their individual condition.
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