The Most Common Effects of Ocular Rosacea

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, identified the most common eye effects of ocular rosacea found by ophthalmologists during patient examinations.
In the study of 88 ocular rosacea patients, 85 percent had meibomian gland dysfunction. These glands secrete a fatty substance that helps keep the eye from drying out, and plugging of these glands may result in dry eye or styes.
Other common physical effects included tiny visible blood vessels or redness on the eyelid, found in 53 percent of the patients; blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid, found in 44 percent; and bloodshot eyes, seen in 41 percent.
Among more severe potential manifestations of ocular rosacea, corneal scarring was found in 16 percent of the patients and corneal neovascularization (the development of additional blood vessels in the cornea) was found in 11 percent. Both conditions may result in loss of vision or visual acuity.