Ocular Rosacea Treatment in Downtown Manhattan, NYC

Rubbing, itching, irritation and general discomfort in your eyes gets tiresome. It also carries a slew of risks, ranging from eye infections to vision loss. One of the eye conditions that causes the discomfort and makes it difficult to diagnose is ocular rosacea. If you have skin rosacea, your doctor may recognize it, but you may need rosacea ocular treatment and not have other signs of the disease. Call an ocular rosacea specialist at Eye Physicians in Downtown Manhattan for an accurate diagnosis and the best eyedrops for ocular rosacea.

    What Is Ocular Rosacea?

    Ocular RosaceaOcular rosacea is a type of inflammatory disease in your eyes, very similar to meibomian gland dysfunction. It often goes hand-in-hand with the skin disease rosacea, which produces red patches on the face. About five per cent of the earth’s population end up needing ocular rosacea treatments.

    Typical symptoms include itchy and irritated eyes. Many people with a mild form of ocular rosacea assume it’s just a seasonal allergy. No cure exists for ocular rosacea, but it can be managed with effective rosacea ocular treatment and by avoiding your known triggers.

    If the pain and discomfort in your eyes persists over time, consult an eye specialist. In the New York City area near me, the optometrists at Eye Physicians offer comprehensive eye care that includes the latest treatment for ocular rosacea. Their experienced team gets you in and out of appointments in under an hour.

    What Are the Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea?

    The symptoms vary from person to person. You may notice that the skin around your eyes is darker than your normal skin tone. In addition, you could feel a constant warm or hot feeling in your eyes.

    Other signs that you may need treatment for ocular rosacea may include:

    People of color may exhibit many of the same symptoms of ocular rosacea than people with fair or white skin. However, the symptoms may be less visible for people of color. This is because the trademark redness is more difficult to notice on dark skin types. You may even exhibit no tell-tale signs at all.

    Whatever your symptoms, they often make it difficult to maintain daily activities like reading or watching your favorite shows. When the ongoing discomfort impacts you in this way, it’s time to make an appointment with your nearest eye doctor. Regardless of which combination of symptoms you experience, only your NYC eye doctor can determine if ocular rosacea treatment is required.

    Am I At Risk for Developing Ocular Rosacea?

    Anyone can develop ocular rosacea, but some people are more at risk for it than others. Some factors you have no control over, while others may be due to lifestyle. Your ocular rosacea specialist makes recommendations if lifestyle changes are warranted.

    At risk populations include:

    • Women
    • People with fair or light skin
    • People with ancestors from Western European, particularly Scotland and England
    • People aged 30 to 50

    If you fall into two or more of these risk factors, getting regular eye checkups is particularly important. It’s also a good idea to be aware of the symptoms in order to begin ocular rosacea treatments as soon as possible.

    What is the Cause of My Ocular Rosacea?

    Medical experts don’t know exactly what causes ocular rosacea, but they have determined some possible explanations, such as include:

    • Bacteria
    • An inherited disorder
    • Environment
    • A circulation problem that swells your blood vessels
    • Eyelash mites
    • Eyelid glands that are blocked

    While the cause can’t usually be pinpointed, doctors have determined certain circumstances that trigger the condition, such as:

    • High levels of stress or anger
    • UV light, from exposure to things like tanning beds and sunlight
    • Consuming alcohol
    • Eating foods that are spicy
    • Exposure to extreme weather such as heat, wind or cold
    • Drinking hot coffee or tea
    • Doing vigorous exercise
    • Using saunas or hot baths

    No tests exist to confirm a diagnosis of ocular rosacea. Your ocular rosacea specialist typically diagnoses the condition based on your medical history and the nature of your symptoms. Keep a journal of the symptoms and what may be triggering them. This is a useful tool in designing the best treatment plan for managing your ocular rosacea.

    Are Skin Rosacea and Eye Rosacea the Same Thing?

    Rosacea is a chronic disease that can manifest on the skin, in the eye or both. Skin rosacea, generally known as just rosacea, causes your face to turn red. Ocular rosacea is the form that affects your eyes. Often if people develop it in the eye, it’s an indication that it will eventually show up on the skin.

    Differences may include:

    • With skin rosacea, you usually have patches or red spots on the chin, cheeks or forehead.
    • It sometimes looks like a flare up of acne.
    • You may develop rosacea on your face but have no symptoms of ocular rosacea.
    • You might have it in your eyes but no signs on the skin.
    • It’s also possible to have both forms at the same time.

    Your NYC eye care specialist knows how to recognize the signs and design a treatment plan that works for you. If you’re being treated for skin rosacea, ask your provider about getting regular eye exams for ocular rosacea.

    What’s the Best Ocular Rosacea Treatment for Me?

    The best ocular rosacea treatment is to avoid behaviors or conditions that trigger it. Remember, there is no cure for this eye disease, so the best course of action is to control what brings on the symptoms. 

    When your ocular rosacea does flare up, your eye doctor may recommend certain treatments known to relieve the discomfort, including:

    • Using eye drops or artificial tears containing lipids
    • Applying warm compresses to both eyes during and after a bath
    • Taking the antibiotic doxycycline
    • Using steroid eye drops or ointment to reduce swelling and redness
    • Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30
    • Using pH-balanced cleanser instead of soap to wash your eyes
    • Wearing protective eyewear when you’re outside and in tanning booths

    Your ocular rosacea specialist creates an effective rosacea ocular treatment plan that’s tailored to your symptoms and triggers. Follow it carefully and be patient; it may take one or more weeks before you begin to feel relief. Even if you’re not experiencing a break-out, be sure to maintain use of preventative treatments or medicines prescribed by the doctor.

    Why Consult an Ocular Rosacea Specialist for Treatment Near Me?

    You should consult an ocular rosacea specialist for treatment if your symptoms worsen or if they persist for long periods of time. Left untreated, complications can permanently affect your vision. In addition, you may be at risk of infection due to the repeated eye rubbing with your hands.

    Ocular rosacea can be managed with medication and the proper eye care routine. Your specialist knows specifics such as the best eye drops for ocular rosacea. In the Manhattan area, contact Eye Physicians for expert care and treatment for ocular rosacea. Their professionals bring relief to both you and your precious eyes.

    Page Updated on Nov 5, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians
    William Hogue, OD

    My name is Dr. William Hogue, and I am an optometrist dedicated to providing top-quality professional eye care. I'm trained in treating various ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and retinal issues.

    I earned my chemistry degree summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee. Subsequently, I obtained my Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from the New England College of Optometry. Following graduation, I completed an ocular disease residency at the State University of New York’s College of Optometry. Beyond my clinical work, I have also been a supporter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH).

    More about Dr. Hogue

    Eye Physicians
    110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
    New York, NY 10013
    (212) 292-4814

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