Ocular Rosacea

Treatment of Ocular Rosacea

Rosacea, or adult-onset acne, is a very common skin disorder affecting thousands of people in the United States. It is characterized by redness and pustules, mainly on the cheeks, nose, and chin. It can vary in severity from a little redness in the cheeks to disfiguration of the nose to the point that it resembles a cauliflower. The exact cause is unknown, although some believe it may be a reaction to a chronic infection in the skin. The typical treatment is with topical medications and low-dose oral antibiotics. Very often, the eyes can be affected in rosacea, a condition referred to as ocular rosacea. When this occurs, the edges of the eyelids may be red, the oil glands in the eyelids often become clogged resulting in styes, and in its extreme form, scarring can occur on the cornea resulting in impaired vision. The eyes are often red, inflamed and uncomfortable. Treatment of ocular rosacea often involves a combination of lid hygiene and topical medications. It is best to recognize ocular rosacea early to prevent any severe complications. Board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist Katherine J. Zamecki-Vedder, MD, FACS is experienced in the identification and management of ocular rosacea. Please visit the National Rosacea Society’s website for more information.