Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is still not known, however certain factors can predispose ocular rosacea. It is seen hereditary in some patients. Certain environmental factors like exposure to sun, extreme cold or heat etc can cause ocular rosacea. Intake of spicy food, alcohol and certain strenuous exercises also contribute to ocular rosacea.There exist no correlation between the facial rosacea and the ocular manifestation.
Clinical presentation:
The patients suffering from this condition often have a reddish appearance of the skin over the face, nose and cheeks. Gradually small red tiny bumps are seen. The skin becomes thick especially of the nose. This thickening of skin can also lead to disfigurement of facial appearance. Over a time the eyes are also involved. Eye become red and itching of the eyes is seen. Pain in and around the eyes along with photophobia occurs. The eyes become dry. The blood vessels of the eyes become dilated. The patient feels as if something has got logged into the eyes (a foreign body sensation) the vision becomes blurred and the eyelids are swollen. People suffering from ocular rosacea are more prone for development of blepharitis, conjunctivitis, hordeolum, chalazia etc. In severe cases it can also lead to corneal ulceration.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination carried out by the ophthalmologist .Diagnosis itself is done on this basis. No other investigations are required.
Treatment:
Medication and maintaining hygiene is the main line of treatment. Oral antibiotic medications are advised. Oral Corticosteroid medications can also be administered. Eye drops are also administered. Maintaining of eyelid hygiene by proper washing it with plain water or dilute baby shampoo is also essential. Avoidance of triggering factors like stress, spicy food, and alcohol, smoking and excess exposure to sun is essential. Long term treatment is necessary to prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
Facts and Figures:
Incidence is seen in 1to 10 percent of the general population.
