Ocular Rosacea

INFORMATION

Rosacea is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelid margin (edge of the lid where the lashes insert). Rosacea has no proven cause, but is thought to be more common in patients with certain skin conditions. It is associated with dysfunction of sebaceous skin glands and causes redness of the face, neck and nose. There are many tiny glands (openings) around the eyelid margin, which drain oil. These openings can get clogged up and inflamed for a variety of reasons. The result is swollen or red eyelids. Patients may also notice eye irritation, itching, tearing and foreign body sensation. Certain foods are thought to exacerbate this condition including: coffee, tea, wine, cheese, nuts, chocolate and spicy foods.

Treatment is aimed at opening up the glands around the eyelids and decreasing the amount of inflammation. Ocular rosacea is a chronic condition and requires chronic care. Usually, once it is under control you will be able to treat it less vigorously than you may need to initially. Warm compresses, lid scrubs and artificial tears are the first line of treatment. Sometimes an oral medication called Doxycycline is also recommended.

WARM COMPRESSES: Instructions

1. Wash your hands.
2. Heat up a clean washcloth using warm tap water. A microwave may also be used.
3. Wring out the washcloth and hold it over your closed lids until it cools.
4. Repeat until you have held the warm cloth over your lids for a total of 10 minutes.
5. Gently scrub your closed lids with the washcloth to clean the area. You may add a couple of drops of non-irritating baby shampoo to the washcloth when scrubbing the lids. At the end, rinse with a clean washcloth. 

DOXYCYCLINE

Doxycycline is an oral pill.  Although Doxycycline is an antibiotic, it is used in patients with rosacea because it helps to decrease inflammation, NOT because patients have an infection. Some of the side effects of this medication include: upset stomach, diarrhea, a tendency to burn in the sun and genital yeast infections. By taking Doxycycline with a small amount of food (ie: crackers or bread) and avoiding ingestion with dairy products, you can reduce the chance of gastrointestinal problems (upset stomach and diarrhea).

Doxycycline should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women or by women trying to conceive. Any antibiotic, including doxycycline, may make oral contraceptive pills less effective. Other forms of contraception should be added to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication.  Your physician will recommend specific prescribing information.