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Rosacea
Treatment
Eye Problems
Subtype: Ocular rosacea
Rosacea can involve the eyes. Some
patients have eye involvement and little or no rosacea on their
skin. Eye involvement can be severe, even when rosacea barely
affects the skin. If signs or symptoms of ocular rosacea occur, it
is important to see your dermatologist. Ocular rosacea can impair
eyesight if not treated.
The following is often part of the
treatment plan for ocular rosacea:
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Eyelid Hygiene Regimen
This typically involves washing the eyelids frequently
throughout the day by gently scrubbing the eyelids with a diluted
baby shampoo or over-the-counter product meant for cleansing the
eyelids. Patients also apply a warm or hot (not burning) compress to
closed eyes several times a day.
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Prescription Medication
A prescription medication is often used to treat ocular rosacea.
The more commonly prescribed medications are:
Effectiveness: Mild and moderate
ocular rosacea often respond to the treatment described above. In
some cases, and when ocular rosacea is severe, the above therapies
may not be effective. If you have been following the prescribed
treatment plan and treatment fails, be sure to discuss this with
your dermatologist. Less commonly used treatment may be an option.
Side effects: Some patients
experience dry eyes and a gritty sensation during treatment for
ocular rosacea.
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Other Treatment Options
In some cases, ocular rosacea does not respond to the therapies
described above. If you have been following the prescribed
treatment plan and treatment fails, be sure to discuss this with
your dermatologist. Less commonly used treatment may be an
option.
Dilated blood vessels on
the margins
of the eyelid and bloodshot eyes are
common when rosacea involves the eyes. |
This patient has ocular
rosacea.
A large eyelid cyst has developed
in the lower eyelid. |
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(Photos used with
permission of the American Academy of
Dermatology National Library
of Dermatologic Teaching Slides) |
References:
Crawford GH, Pelle MT, James WD. “Rosacea: I. Etiology,
pathogenesis, and subtype classification.” J Am Acad Dermatol
2004; 51: 327-41; quiz 42-4.
Pelle MT, Crawford GH, James WD. “Rosacea: II. Therapy.” J Am
Acad Dermatol 2004; 51: 499-512; quiz 3-4.
Webster GF. “Rosacea and Related Disorders.” In: Bolognia JL,
Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP et al, editors. Dermatology,
Spain, Mosby Elsevier; 2008. p. 509.
White GM and Cox NH. “Rosacea and related conditions.” In: White
GM and Cox NH. Diseases of the Skin: A Color Atlas and Text.
China. Mosby Elsevier. 2006. p. 165-6.
An educational program brought to you by the American Academy of
Dermatology.
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Dry, irritated eyes
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Visible blood vessels
along the edges of the eyelids
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Inflamed eyelids
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Eyelid cyst
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Eyelid infection (sty)
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Watery eyes, tearing
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Blurry vision
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Burning or stinging in
eyes
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Itchy eyes
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Light sensitivity
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Foreign body sensation
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Cornea of the eye
becomes inflamed and painful, which can impair
eyesight
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