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Rosacea
Treatment
Eye Problems
Subtype: Ocular rosacea
If you have been diagnosed with ocular
rosacea, treatment is essential. Without treatment, the rosacea in
your eyes may worsen. In rare cases, it can cause problems with your
eyesight.
Treatment for your eyes differs from treatment for your skin. A
treatment plan that will help control ocular rosacea may include the
following:
Stop wearing contact lenses:
While the rosacea in your eyes is flaring, this is important —
especially if you have dry eyes.
Eye drops: A medicine such as artificial tears helps to
alleviate the dryness and ease the discomfort.
Eyelid hygiene: Most patients need to cleanse their
eyelids twice a day for a few weeks with warm water and a warm
compress.
Medicine for the eyelids: Your dermatologist may
prescribe metronidazole gel, an antibiotic that you can apply to
your eyelids, or a similar medicine. You apply the medicine to
the edges of your eyelids once or twice a day. You typically
apply the medicine for a few weeks.
Antibiotics: Some patients need to take antibiotic pills
to clear their eyes. An antibiotic such as doxycycline or
tetracycline is often prescribed.
What to expect after treatment
If the ocular rosacea is mild or moderate, it usually clears with
eyelid hygiene and the medicine listed above.
When ocular rosacea does not clear or the rosacea in your eyes is
extensive, you may need to see an ophthalmologist (medical doctor
who specializes in the eyes).
After the symptoms subside, some patients need to follow a
maintenance plan. This helps keep your eyes comfortable. It usually
involves eyelid hygiene (described above) and using eye drops.
Many patients see their eyes clear with treatment. In one study, 36
out of 37 patients who took tetracycline as prescribed for 3 weeks
saw their eyes clear. These patients remained free of signs and
symptoms of ocular rosacea for 5 to 28 months.
The sooner you start treatment, the better your outcome.
More Information
What is ocular rosacea?
References:
Baldwin HE. “Systemic therapy for rosacea.” Skin Therapy Lett
2007; 12: 1-5, 9.
Crawford GH, Pelle MT, James WD. “Rosacea: I. Etiology,
pathogenesis, and subtype classification.” J Am Acad Dermatol
2004; 51: 327-41; quiz 42-4.
Gupta AK, Chaudhry MM. “Rosacea and its management: an
overview.” J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2005; 19: 273-85.
Pelle MT, Crawford GH, James WD. “Rosacea: II. Therapy.” J Am
Acad Dermatol 2004; 51: 499-512; quiz 3-4.
Powell FC. “Clinical practice. Rosacea.” N Engl J Med
2005; 352: 793-803.
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.
Wilkin J, Dahl M, Detmar M et al. Standard classification
of rosacea: Report of the National Rosacea Society Expert
Committee on the Classification and Staging of Rosacea. J Am
Acad Dermatol 2002; 46: 584-7.
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