Ocular rosasea is a chronic inflammatory eye condition which usually affects those who suffer from rosasea. Rosasea is a chronic skin disease involving the facial skin, especially the skin around the nose and forehead. In both the condition there is extreme dryness, irritation and redness. At least half of the people who have skin rosasea may also complain of dry eyes, irritation and redness, symptoms of ocular rosasea.
The condition is usually prevalent in adults between the ages of 30 to 60. Fair skinned individuals are vulnerable, as their skin is more sensitive to sunlight and heat. The problem of ocular rosasea cannot be resolved permanently. But can be managed with medication. However if left unattended, it can worsen and damage the eyesight sometimes resulting in complete loss of vision.
What Causes Ocular Rosacea?
Researchers are unable to solve the puzzle behind the origin of ocular rosasea, in the same way as that of skin rosasea. However, they consider a role of hereditary and environment in triggering ocular rosasea.
The problems that trigger rosasea are also found responsible for aggravating ocular rosasea. They include; alcohol consumption, eating spicy and hot food, caffeinated beverages, excess exposure to sunlight, doing strenuous exercise, hot baths and showers.
Stressful situations, drugs used for high blood pressure can initiate symptoms of ocular rosasea. The risk of ocular rosasea increases when a person suffers from skin rosasea.
Symptoms Of Ocular Rosacea
At least fifty percent of people who have skin rosasea also suffer from ocular rosasea. However, many times the symptoms of ocular rosasea may occur before skin rosasea symptoms appear. It can also occur at the same time or at a later stage. In some cases the symptoms of ocular rosasea are independent of the skin disease. The characteristic symptoms that define ocular rosasea from other eye problems are:
- It is usually linked to skin rosasea. Doctors when suspect ocular rosasea, also search for symptoms of skin rosasea. This makes it easier for diagnosing the eye condition.
- Dryness in the eyes.
- Red blood shot eyes.
- The blood vessels in the eyes become dilated and become prominent.
- Gritty feeling in the eyes as if some foreign body has stuck in the eye surface.
- Constant itching.
- Burning sensation.
- Patient finds difficulty to see objects in bright light.
- Blurring of vision.
- Swollen eyelids.
- In some cases styes and chalazion develop as a result of inflammation of meibomian gland.
- Due to dryness, the cornea can damage and lead to loss of vision
Ocular Rosacea Natural Treatment
There is no specific test that can detect ocular rosasea, it is clinical examination and the patient’s medical history which helps the ophthalmologist to diagnose this chronic condition.
As there is no permanent cure for ocular rosasea, the aim of treating the patient is to control and manage his condition. It also depends on how severe the symptoms are. However, these universal precautions when followed in accordance can remarkably reduce the severity of this chronic eye condition.
- Strictly avoid alcohol, spicy food, and hot beverages as they are known to increase the body temperature.
- Avoid going out in sunlight, or when necessary use sunscreen lotion all over the exposed areas.
- Use of sunglasses, umbrellas, or hats also reduces exposure to strong sunlight when you are out.
- Splash lukewarm water gently on the irritated eyes frequently.
- Artificial tear drops help in combating dryness.
- Keep your eyes moist by applying warm moist washcloth on it.
- Many ophthalmologists recommend a short course of oral antibiotics when the symptoms are severe.
- Omega 3 fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties. Eat fish and foods rich in omega 3 to reduce irritation and inflammation produces as a result of ocular rosasea.