Ocular Rosacea
Rosacea can also cause a persistent burning and feeling of grittiness in the eyes or inflamed and swollen eyelids with small inflamed bumps, eyelashes sometimes fall out, compounded by bloodshot eyes. (Dr. Thiboutot). The ophthalmic signs are exceedingly variable, including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, hypopyoniritis, and even keratitis. The term ophthalmic rosacea covers all these signs. The ophthalmic complications are independent of the severity of facial rosacea. Rosacea keratitis has an unfavorable prognosis, and in extreme cases can lead to corneal opacity with blindness. The most frequent sign, which may never progress, is chronically inflamed margins of the eyelids with scales and crusts, quite similar to seborrheic dermatitis, with which it is often confused. Pain and photophobia may be present. It is instructive to ask rosacea patients how their eyes react to bright sunlight. (Drs. Gerd Plewig & Albert M. Kligman).
The hereditary, chronic skin disorder of rosacea is aggravated by many factors, including sunlight, physical and mental stress, sinus and allergy conditions, hot liquids, spicy foods, extremes in temperature, alcohol (either topically applied or orally consumed) and stress (Drs. McKoewn, Wilkin, Wilkin, Wilkin). But it is important to note that what aggravates one person's rosacea may have no effect on another person's condition (Dr. Wilkin)
To learn more about rosacea, click on the links below.
Definition of rosacea | Stages of rosacea | Who gets rosacea | Acne rosacea | Conditions that occur with rosacea | Ocular rosacea