What is the Connection Between Ocular Rosacea and Acne Rosacea? 🔎

Understanding the Basics

What is Acne Rosacea?

Acne rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps on the face. It commonly affects the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. This condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including triggers like spicy foods, temperature changes, and stress.

 

 

 

 

What is Ocular Rosacea? 👀

Ocular rosacea is a related condition that affects the eyes. It can cause:

• • Red, irritated eyes
  • Grittiness or dryness
  • Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Sometimes, ocular rosacea can develop before or without the typical facial symptoms of acne rosacea, making it challenging to diagnose.

 

How They’re Connected

While ocular rosacea and acne rosacea manifest in different areas (the eyes vs. the facial skin), they share similar underlying causes:

• • Inflammatory pathways that lead to redness and irritation
  • Overactive immune response in the skin and eyelids
  • Genetic predisposition to blood vessel reactivity
  • Common environmental triggers like sun exposure and hot beverages

 

Can You Have Both?

You can have ocular rosacea without having acne rosacea manifest. Usually if you have acne rosacea, ocular rosacea tends to be present - sometimes very mild so it goes undiagnosed. Some eye care related tips to look out for at your next eye exam with your optometrist: 

• • The inflammatory pathway can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Demodex mites should be ruled in / ruled out 
  • Ask your optometrist to check for telangiectasia (small red blood vessels) on your eyelid margins
    
  • Contact lens wearing time can be reduced with the onset of ocular rosacea. it's not the contacts, it's your eyelids!

 

Managing Ocular and Acne Rosacea Together

Proper treatment often requires addressing both the skin and the eyes. Consider these tips:

• • Practice gentle eyelid hygiene to reduce inflammation and risk of infection.
  • Protect your skin from UV rays by wearing sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • Identify and avoid triggers (spicy foods, hot drinks, extreme temperatures).
  • Seek professional advice from a dermatologist and an optometrist for a personalized treatment plan.

Introducing Dr. Tanya Gill, OD

Dr. Tanya Gill is the founder of We Love Eyes, a brand devoted to clean-formula eye care solutions. As an optometrist, Dr. Gill has helped countless patients manage conditions like ocular rosacea, blepharitis, and dry eye by emphasizing safe and effective products.

Visit weloveeyes.com to discover a range of specialized eye care products formulated to soothe irritation and support overall eye health.