Ocular Rosacea Symptoms and Treatment

Ocular rosacea is an eye condition that affects the eyes, eyelids, and the skin around the eyes. It is related to rosacea, which is an inflammatory condition characterized by flushed appearance of the skin on the face, nose and forehead.

It is a severe condition, which, if left untreated, can even make a person susceptible to blindness. Fair-skinned individuals are more susceptible. This condition usually occurs in combination with rosacea, and might be triggered due to exposure to sunlight and heat, heavy exercise, extremely low temperature, and mental stress.

Any person who experiences 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 is clearly visible on the eyes and its surrounding areas.

A person experiencing inflammation on the eyelids might be affected by ocular rosacea. This condition is known as blepharitis, and often leads to redness, itching, and burning of eyes and eyelashes.

Swollen meibomian glands (the glands which lubricate the eyelids) could also be a symptom of this condition. Such a condition is known as 'chalazia' or 'meibomitis'. If there is a problem in the meibomian gland, the person is likely to experience dry eyes.

Other symptoms include red and painful eyes, which may be a complication called 'episcleritis' and 'scleritis'. Both these complications are a result of swollen blood vessels in the eyes. Affected individuals might also develop keratitis, 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.

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 affected by this disorder might experience a sense of a fullness in the eyelid, which is a result of the blockage of the meibomian or zeis glands along the margin of the eyelid.

Ocular rosacea cannot be cured, but can surely be treated and controlled. The treatment options that are recommended depend on the severity. However, there are some general precautions and steps to be followed, in order to reduce the symptoms.

Individuals who are affected by this condition 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 radiation, which is why it is advisable to apply sunscreen lotion on the skin.

Wearing sunglasses and hats is another precautionary measure that should be followed. 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.

Application of warm compresses can surely prove beneficial. People affected with this infection should 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.

Though this medical condition cannot be cured, following the aforementioned self-care measures can surely prove beneficial. Medical help must be sought by anyone who has been experiencing the symptoms associated with this eye condition.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.