Rosacea is a relatively common inflammatory condition which affects skin on the face and chest. It can also occur on the eyes ( Ocular Rosacea ). Recent studies reported that between 6 to 18 percent of patients with acne rosacea also were effected with eye symptoms. Percentage rates of rosacea patients with eye issues could be as high as 60 percent according to other studies.
The skin condition appears to effect more women than men but both sexes should be aware of the symptons and seek medical assistance if they suffer from it.
Rosacea affects between 1 to 10 percent of the general population.
Sufferers of rosacea often can develop an uneven and red complexion particularly around the nose and cheeks. The progression of the condition can be bumpy skin lesions, red pimples, and tiny, tortuous vessels that are visible.
Sufferers may not realize that their eyes may be affected by the same skin condition if they only have mild irritation of the eyes such as eye itchiness or redness. You should be aware of bloodshot eyes or dry eyes if you are already suffering from skin irritation.
Severe ocular rosacea cases can cause an inflamed cornea the danger being that a corneal ulcer can then form. Untreated corneal ulcers can become infected and even perforate the eye. The long term diagnosis for this is potential blindness so it is important to have your eyes looked after if you suffer from any of the mild symptoms of rosacea before it can progress.
Treatment includes daily cleansing of the eye lids to remove debris and oil secretions.
It is common for antibiotics or a combination antibiotic-steroid ointment to be prescribed.
Opticians will treat symptons of the condition with long lasting tetracyclines once or twice daily and the dry eye syndrome, will normally be treated with eye drops. You may find that installing a humidifier at home helps symptoms of dry eye.
In very severe cases punctal plugs can be surgically implanted to close the eyes tear drainage ducts.