Why is My Dermatologist Asking About My Eyes if I Have Rosacea?
If you have rosacea, you might be surprised when your dermatologist starts asking questions about your eyes. After all, rosacea is a skin condition, right? While it primarily affects the skin, rosacea can also involve the eyes, a condition known as ocular rosacea. Understanding why your eyes are part of the discussion can help you recognize the full impact of rosacea and get the best treatment.
What Is Ocular Rosacea?
Ocular rosacea is a form of rosacea that affects the eyes and eyelids. This condition can cause symptoms like redness, dryness, itching, burning, and a feeling of grittiness in the eyes, similar to having sand in them. It may also lead to more serious complications if left untreated, such as inflammation of the cornea, which could affect vision. Ocular rosacea can occur alongside the typical skin symptoms of rosacea—such as facial redness, visible blood vessels, and bumps—or it can be the only manifestation of the condition.
Why Do Dermatologists Ask About Eye Symptoms?
Comprehensive Diagnosis: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects multiple areas of the body, not just the skin. Since up to approximately 21-50% of people with skin rosacea (Froentjes et al., 2024; medRxiv) also experience ocular symptoms, dermatologists are proactive in checking your eyes to see if rosacea has affected them. Ignoring ocular symptoms can lead to complications that affect your quality of life.
Early Treatment Prevents Complications: When rosacea affects the eyes, timely treatment is essential to prevent issues such as corneal damage, which could lead to vision impairment if untreated. By asking about eye symptoms early on, dermatologists can recommend interventions to manage symptoms and prevent further progression.
Overlapping Symptoms: Eye issues like redness or dryness can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as allergies or conjunctivitis. Dermatologists ask about your eyes to distinguish ocular rosacea from these similar conditions and make sure you're receiving the correct treatment. Recognizing ocular rosacea allows for tailored treatments that address both skin and eye symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea
Ocular rosacea symptoms can vary widely. Here are some of the signs your dermatologist may ask you about:
• Redness or bloodshot eyes
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Watery or dry eyes
• Gritty feeling or foreign body sensation
• Swollen eyelids or crusting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
If you have rosacea and notice any of these symptoms, it's important to mention them to your dermatologist. Ocular symptoms can range from mild to severe, and catching them early can make treatment much more effective.
How Is Ocular Rosacea Treated?
The treatment for ocular rosacea is different from the treatment for skin rosacea. Here are some of the common approaches used to manage ocular symptoms:
Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops can help relieve dryness and irritation. These drops can be used throughout the day to keep your eyes comfortable.
Oral Antibiotics: Low-dose antibiotics, such as doxycycline or tetracycline, are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. These medications are particularly helpful if the condition involves inflamed eyelids (blepharitis).
Eyelid Hygiene: Maintaining good eyelid hygiene is key in managing ocular rosacea. Your dermatologist may recommend gently cleaning your eyelids with warm water and a mild cleanser to reduce inflammation and prevent blockage of the oil glands along the eyelid margin.
Topical Medications: In some cases, eye drops or ointments containing anti-inflammatory agents may be prescribed to reduce redness and swelling.
Preventing Flare-Ups
Since rosacea is a chronic condition, avoiding triggers is an important part of managing both skin and ocular symptoms. Common triggers include sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, and extreme temperatures. Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sunlight, wind, and other environmental factors that may exacerbate symptoms.
When to See an Eye Specialist
While dermatologists can often manage ocular rosacea, there are times when seeing an ophthalmologist is necessary. If you have severe symptoms that aren't improving with standard treatments or if your vision is affected, your dermatologist may refer you to an eye specialist for more in-depth evaluation and care.
Conclusion
Rosacea can affect more than just the skin, and ocular involvement is more common than many people realize. By asking about your eyes, your dermatologist is making sure that all aspects of your condition are properly managed. If you're experiencing any symptoms related to your eyes, don't hesitate to mention them during your appointment. Proper treatment can help you maintain eye health and prevent complications, ensuring that both your skin and eyes are in the best possible condition. Book online with us at Pure Dermatology with one of our board-certified dermatologist to get started on managing your rosacea symptoms and maintaining your skin health.
