Winter conditions may be particularly harsh on patients with ocular rosacea, according to Dr. Guy Webster, associate professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Medical College in Philadelphia. He noted that eye symptoms of rosacea seem to worsen during this season, perhaps because of the frequent gusty winds and cold temperatures.

Ocular rosacea may be more common than widely believed, according to Dr. Guy Webster, professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, who spoke at the recent American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting in San Francisco.

Dr. Webster, whose practice is located near an eye hospital, said about half of his rosacea patients have eye symptoms. The ocular symptoms are often subtle, however, and many patients do not even know they have a problem. "It's only after being treated that they realize rosacea had affected their eyes," he said.

Marjorie Pendleton was concerned about her blurry vision. She couldn't see things clearly, so she made an appointment with an eye specialist to get some answers. "The first thing he said to me was, 'How long have you had those red cheeks?'" Pendleton said.