What it is

➝ Ocular rosacea is a subtype of rosacea that affects the eyes and eyelids.

➝ It causes redness, burning, dryness, itching, and irritation in the eyes, along with swollen eyelids, recurrent styes, or chalazia.

➝ In more severe cases, it can lead to light sensitivity, blurred vision, corneal inflammation (keratitis), and long-term damage if untreated.

➝ Management of ocular rosacea requires a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatologists and ophthalmologists.

Why it’s done

→ To relieve eye discomfort, dryness, and irritation, which interfere with daily life.

→ To prevent corneal damage and vision loss, which can occur if inflammation is left untreated.

→ To manage eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) and reduce recurrence of styes or chalazia.

→ To improve quality of life, as ocular rosacea often occurs with skin rosacea and adds to the physical and emotional burden.

→ In Korea, ocular rosacea care emphasizes early diagnosis, long-term monitoring, and combined skin-eye treatment.

Alternatives

→ Lifestyle modifications:

• Avoiding triggers such as alcohol, spicy foods, heat, and stress.
• Using humidifiers in dry environments.

→ Home care measures:

• Warm compresses and gentle eyelid massages.
• Lid scrubs with diluted baby shampoo or commercial eyelid wipes.

→ Topical treatments:

• Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears).
• Antibiotic ointments (erythromycin, bacitracin) for eyelid inflammation.

→ Oral treatments:

• Low-dose doxycycline (anti-inflammatory effect).
• Azithromycin in certain resistant cases.

→ Procedural options:

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
• Thermal pulsation devices (e.g., LipiFlow).

Preparation

→ A full eye examination is needed, often including slit-lamp evaluation, tear film assessment, and meibomian gland function tests.

→ Skin examination is also important, as ocular rosacea frequently coexists with facial rosacea.

→ Patients are advised to:

• Stop contact lens use during flare-ups.
• Maintain strict eyelid hygiene.
• Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops.

→ In Korea, many dermatology and ophthalmology clinics work collaboratively, ensuring patients receive integrated care.

How it’s Done

→ First-line care: Warm compresses, lid hygiene, and artificial tears to reduce dryness and irritation.

→ Oral doxycycline (low dose, anti-inflammatory, not antibiotic strength) may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases.

→ Topical antibiotic ointments (applied to eyelid margins) help reduce bacterial overgrowth and inflammation.

→ Steroid eye drops may be used short-term in severe inflammation but require close ophthalmologist supervision.

→ Advanced clinics in Korea may combine medical therapy with procedures like IPL therapy to improve meibomian gland function.

Recovery

→ Symptom improvement (less dryness, less irritation) often begins within 2–4 weeks of consistent care.

→ Full control of ocular rosacea may take 2–3 months, depending on severity.

→ Patients typically experience reduced redness, fewer styes, and improved tear film stability.

→ Long-term management and maintenance therapy are often needed, as ocular rosacea is chronic and relapsing.

Complications

→ Untreated ocular rosacea can lead to:

• Chronic blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (blocked oil glands).
• Corneal ulcers or scarring.
• Permanent vision damage in severe cases.

→ Medication-related risks:

• Prolonged steroid eye drop use may cause glaucoma or cataracts.
• Oral doxycycline may cause photosensitivity or stomach upset.

Treatment Options in Korea

→ In Korea, ocular rosacea care is typically multidisciplinary, with dermatologists and ophthalmologists working together.

→ Many eye clinics integrate advanced dry eye management systems (IPL, thermal pulsation therapy, meibomian gland probing).

→ Dermatology clinics provide parallel treatment for skin rosacea, ensuring both facial and ocular symptoms are managed.

→ Patients often receive personalized skincare routines, gentle cleansers, and sun protection advice alongside ocular therapy.

→ Korean clinics also emphasize education on daily eyelid hygiene, encouraging long-term habits like warm compresses and lid scrubs.

→ With Korea’s reputation for advanced ophthalmology and dermatology, patients have access to comprehensive, modern care that combines medical, lifestyle, and procedural strategies for long-term control of ocular rosacea.