Ocular Rosacea: Understanding the Symptoms and Best Treatment Options

Published on
March 10, 2023

Rosacea is a skin condition that affects many people. While it is commonly found on the face, rosacea can also affect the eyes and cause symptoms such as itchiness, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and more. In this blog, we will discuss the best treatment options for ocular rosacea and how you can manage this condition effectively.

Tip #1: Avoid Your Triggers

Rosacea has certain triggers that can cause a flare-up of symptoms. Some common triggers include spicy foods, UV light exposure, dairy products, alcohol, exercise, emotional stress, hot beverages, and heat in general. Medications and higher doses of Vitamin B6 and B12 can also be triggers. The key to managing ocular rosacea is to identify and avoid your triggers as much as possible.

Tip #2: Manage Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition where the eyelids become inflamed due to a buildup of microorganisms, bad skin oils, and inflammation. To manage blepharitis, you can use warm compresses on the eyelids and perform eyelid scrubs with a foaming cleanser that contains tea tree oil. The warm compresses can help treat the oil glands and improve oil production, while the tea tree oil can help get rid of Demodex mites that are a major problem for people with rosacea.

Tip #3: Use Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 supplements are highly debated in the field of eye care, but a 2013 study showed that patients taking 1.5 grams of Omega-3 supplements showed significant improvement in meibomian gland dysfunction after one and three months. It is important to note that the supplement used in this study also contained other vitamins and minerals.

Tip #4: Control Inflammation

Inflammation plays a major role in ocular rosacea, so it is important to control it. Two options for controlling inflammation are topical steroids and topical cyclosporine. Topical steroids are great for flare-ups, while cyclosporine is a safer long-term option. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.

Tip #5: Consider Oral Medications

Oral medications such as doxycycline, minocycline, and azithromycin have all shown promising results in the treatment of rosacea and ocular rosacea. These medications work by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases and cathelicidin polypeptide, which are significant in rosacea. They can reduce bacteria on the surface of the eyelids and improve the oil quality of the meibomian glands.

Tip #6: Consider IPL Procedure

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a procedure that uses light to coagulate irregular blood vessels on the eyelids and reduce inflammation. It also helps liquefy the thickened oils of the oil glands and improve oil production. IPL is a great option for ocular rosacea and dry eye treatment, but it is not offered at every eye clinic and can be expensive.

Tip #7: Consider Amniotic Membranes

In the event of significant inflammation that is not being treated with other methods, our optometrists may recommend amniotic membranes, which are extremely effective at promoting cellular rejuvenation and combat inflammation on the corneal surface. 

Tip #8: Ask Our Doctor About Brimonidine Eye Drops

Brimonidine eye drops have not been specifically studied for ocular rosacea, but they have shown to be effective in reducing redness and improving blood flow to the eyes. You can talk to our doctor about using Brimonidine eye drops as part of your treatment plan.

Remember, it is always important to consult with our eye doctor before starting any new treatment or making changes to your current routine. We will be able to assess your individual case and recommend the best treatment options for you.

Find Relief from Ocular Rosacea: Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are living with ocular rosacea, don't hesitate to seek help from our eye doctor. We can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment today by calling (562) 925-6591 and take the first step towards better eye health. We hope this information has been helpful for you. If you have any further questions or concerns, please reach out to our team at Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach. We are always here to help!

Patients searching for advanced medical eye care visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of medical eye care services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

Testimonials


I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered.  This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.


Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.


Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy.  She (Chris) is absolutely great.  I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision.  I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc).  Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her.  The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!


Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.


Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.


Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional.  Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage.  Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp.  I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all.  I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.


Daniel G.
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