Red, irritated eyes can be more than just seasonal allergies or dry, windy winter weather. They could be caused from ocular rosacea. How they are treated can mean the difference between comfortable vision and vision loss.
Why Does a Skin Condition Affect Vision?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the central face. The nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead can be affected. Symptoms include a redness that may appear to be flushing, but if left untreated, those red areas may become ruddier and tiny blood vessels may appear. In severe cases, excess tissue on the nose may cause it to become bumpy and swollen. It is believed that over half of patients who suffer with rosacea may also develop ocular rosacea.
Ocular rosacea is a side effect of rosacea that causes the eyes to appear bloodshot and may result in watery, irritated eyes. Styes and swollen eyelids are also common. If left untreated, ocular rosacea can lead to vision loss.
In a recent study of ocular rosacea patients conducted by the University of California, Davis, it was discovered that 85 percent of these patients also suffered from meibomian gland disorder (MGD). There are glands located around the edge of the eyelid that secrete an oily substance. When these glands become plugged, they are unable to keep the eyes moist. The result is eyes that are dry, red, and irritated. Styes and cysts (chalazion) may also form around the eye. In severe cases, the cornea becomes damaged and leaves the patient with reduced vision.
Some common symptoms of ocular rosacea include:
- Eyelids that are red and swollen
- Bloodshot eyes
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Red and swollen areas around the eyes
- Crusty eyelashes or eyelids
- Dry eyes from excessive tearing
- A feeling of a foreign object in the eye, such as a piece of sand
- Itching and burning
- Sensitivity to light
The severity of facial rosacea does not indicate the severity of ocular rosacea. In fact, many patients develop ocular rosacea before the symptoms appear on their cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.
What Are Successful Treatment Options for Ocular Rosacea?
Baby shampoo is a well-known home remedy to clean the eyelids. However, ocular rosacea patients do not see success with baby shampoo because it does not effectively treat the root cause – blepharitis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, blepharitis is “inflammation of the eyelids (and) usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow and affects both eyelids.” In treating blepharitis, good eyelid hygiene and restoring normal tear function are imperative.
TheraLife recommends using Avenova Lid Cleanser in conjunction with TheraLife Eye to restore normal tear function. TheraLife only uses safe, all-natural products. It is the natural choice for chronic, crusty eye relief.
Avenova Lid Cleanser is optimal for cleaning the eyelashes because it prevents bacteria or mites from reattaching to the lashes. TheraLife Eye is a proprietary blend of all-natural products that helps the body heal from the inside out. When the body is able to supply the eyes with all of the nutrients and blood supply, the eyes will produce natural oils to keep the eyes moist and the lids are clean from bacteria and mites, then natural healing can occur.
Warm compresses also provide temporary relief from ocular rosacea symptoms. The heat can loosen the material that is clogging the meiobiam glands and help to speed up healing. However, heat alone is not a cure for blepharitis or MGD and does not restore dry eyes. In people with ocular rosacea, heat may exacerbates the symptoms. Cold compress is recommended to reduce inflammation.
What is the Best Solution for Dry, Irritated Eyes Caused by Rosacea?
TheraLife is the best solution for dry, irritated eyes.
With their All-In-One Eye Enhanced Starter Kit, TheraLife includes everything needed to treat blepharitis, MGD, and dry eyes. Included in the starter kit:
- 4 bottles of TheraLife Eye
- 1 bottle of purified fish oil
- 1 bottle of OcuSoft eyelid cleanser
- 1 warm compress
When used together, these products offer a powerful solution to the symptoms of ocular rosacea, naturally.
