Rosacea conjunctivitis
What is Rosacea Conjunctivitis?
Rosacea conjunctivitis is an eye condition that affects the outer layer of the eye, known as the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva helps to keep our eyes moist, clear and protected. When someone develops rosacea conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, swollen and full of pus-filled bumps. The condition can be quite uncomfortable and result in redness, itching, burning, tearing and a gritty sensation in the eyes.
Rosacea conjunctivitis is actually a type of rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. It is estimated that 85 percent of those with rosacea also have eye involvement, with many of them suffering from rosacea conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of Rosacea Conjunctivitis
The most common symptoms of rosacea conjunctivitis include:
- Redness of the eyes
- Itching of the eyes
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Foreign body sensation in the eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Swollen, crusty eyelids
These symptoms usually affect both eyes but may only affect one in some cases.
Complications due to Rosacea Conjunctivitis
Rosacea conjunctivitis can affect the sight of one or both eyes. When this occurs, the vision may become blurred or dimmed, and the person might suffer from headaches and sensitivity to light. Other potential medical complications include uveitis, keratitis or corneal ulcers.
Treatment for Rosacea Conjunctivitis
Treatment for rosacea conjunctivitis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be treated with cool compresses to reduce inflammation and artificial tears to keep the eyes moist. Topical antibiotics or steroids may be used for more severe cases. In extreme cases, lasers or surgery may be necessary to treat the condition.
If rosacea conjunctivitis is left untreated, it can lead to long-term vision loss. It is therefore important to seek medical attention as soon as any of the symptoms appear for proper diagnosis and treatment.