Ocular Rosacea

Vitamins/supplements   Symptoms   Causes   Self help discussion

Ocular rosacea is an inflammation, noticed as a reddening of the whites of the eyes, which primarily affects people between age 30 and 60. It is more common in people with fair skin and light colored hair and eyes. Women who are going through menopause are vulnerable to ocular rosacea as is anyone with a tendency toward flushing or blushing. Women tend to experience ocular rosacea twice as much as men. Usually the condition develops by itself, but sometimes is experienced in combination with the skin version of rosacea.

Ocular rosacea can affect the cornea of your eye, especially if you have dry eyes. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, can also irritate the cornea.

Symptoms

• dry eyes
• eye redness
• burning, stinging or itchy eyes
• light sensitivity
• red, swollen eyelids
• recurrent eye styes
• recurrent conjunctivitis

Causes

Ocular rosacea is apparently caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Many of the following causes can aggravate skin rosacea, so they can aggravate ocular rosacea as well.

• hot caffeinated beverages
• spicy foods
• extreme heat or cold temperatures
• UV sunlight
• stress, anger
• strenuous exercise
• hot baths, saunas
• corticosteroids
• drugs that dilate blood vessels such as blood pressure medication
• also see drugs that harm the eyes

Conventional Treatment

Conventional medicine offers no "cure" for ocular rosacea. Doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics for severe cases, retinoids, immunomodulators, or temporary use of oral corticosteroids. Artificial tears may be prescribed.

Self Help

Daily Tips

• keep your eyelids clean by gently washing them daily
• temporarily stop wearing contact lens while you have the condition
• avoid rubbing your eyes
• use a warm, wet washcloth as a compress, holding it in place till it cools. Repeat this several times a day
• at your computer, take frequent breaks and don't forget to blink
• use a humidifier at home
• make sure your eye makeup is pure and non-irritating, preferably organic, and remove all makeup at night
• wear UV protecting sunglasses when outdoors

Diet & Nutrition

• Water drink plenty of water
• Fatty Acids preferably omega-3 essential fatty acids and/or specific anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids such as those found in black currant seed and borage oils.
• Avoid hot spicy foods, alcohol and hot beverages
• Supplementation with research-proven nutrients and eyedrops that have been found to be helpful to supporting healthy vision and reducing inflammation naturally.
• Lifestyle and diet - see our recommendations to support eye health for detailed information.

Ocular rosacea news

Want to learn more? See our blog news on ocular rosacea.