Rosacea Review

Winter 2007

• FEATURE: National Rosacea Society Awards New Grants for Rosacea Research
• FEATURE: New Study Uncovers Dark Side of ATP
• FEATURE: Other Skin Disorders Also Afflict Patients Diagnosed With Rosacea
• Q & A: Answers to Readers' Questions
• TIPS: Coping with Ocular Rosacea
• READER SURVEY ON ROSACEA
• BRIEF: Treatment Options Used to Correct Nose Enlargement
• SUCCESS STORY: Lifelong Facial Skin Problems Finally Clear

Tips on Ocular Rosacea

If you're bothered by watery, red or irritated eyes this winter season, these may be signs of ocular rosacea, which may affect up to half of rosacea patients in varying degrees. In addition to medical help, here are some tips on coping with the condition:

• Protect your eyes against the wind. Wear glasses or sunglasses outside to protect your eyes from the wind. Shielding your face with a scarf may also help.

• Avoid dry conditions. Use a humidifier indoors, and avoid excessively heated rooms.

• Artificial tears may help. Available at drugstores, artificial tears moisturize the surface of the eye, which may become dry from blockage of the tear ducts or meibomian glands.

• Maintain good eyelash hygiene. Daily eyelash shampooing can minimize blockage of the meibomian glands that may lead to dry eye or styes, both common manifestations of ocular rosacea. Simply place a drop of baby shampoo on a wet washcloth and carefully rub onto a closed eyelid to create a lather, and then rinse away.

• See a physician. If symptoms persist or worsen, see an eye doctor for diagnosis and treatment. While ocular rosacea may often be mild, severe cases may lead to serious complications, including corneal damage that can result in reduction of visual acuity.