Facts On Ocular Rosacea

More than 10% of Americans have rosacea; of this percentage, 60% experience ocular rosacea.
Ocular Rosacea is not life-threatening, however approximately 5% of patients with rosacea have experience symptoms of corneal disease, which may be severe and can lead to blindness via corneal ulceration, perforation, secondary infections, or corneal opacification from complete vascularization.

Treating Ocular Rosacea

Eye involvement is quite common with rosacea. Persistent burning sensation, the feeling of grittiness in the eyes, inflamed and swollen eyelids with small bumps, or eyelash loss, along with bloodshot eyes can all be signs of ocular rosacea. The most frequent signs are chronically inflamed margins of the eyelids with scales and crusts. Light sensitivity is also common.

Treatment of ocular rosacea usually consists of lid hygiene measures, such as daily cleansing with cotton-tipped applicators (Q-tips). This entails cleansing the bases of the lashes with a moistened Q-tip to remove debris and oily secretions. Some ophthalmologists advocate cleansing with diluted baby shampoo, while others believe that plain water is best.

Often, an antibiotic or combination antibiotic-steroid ointment is prescribed for various periods of time, depending on response.

Increasing your water intake will increase the moisture in the eye leading to a decrease in dryness and  irritation.

Another ocular rosacea solution that many have found helpful is The tan-colored Rosacea-Ltd disk. The disk may be applied over the eyelids and around the eyes to calm the redness and burning in the eye area by using only one (1) second in the eye area.

Could Your Contact Lens Solution Be Causing Your Eye Irritation?

The FDA is continuing to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Bausch & Lomb to investigate the source of Fusarium keratitis eye infections. The agency supports Bausch & Lomb's decision to voluntarily withdraw ReNu MoistureLoc® contact lens solution from the market until the agencies have had a chance to conclude their investigation.

The FDA began its investigation of the Bausch &Lomb manufacturing plant on March 22, 2006, and will continue inspections of the Greenville, SC manufacturing plant and other facilities through next week. While the investigation continues, the FDA will work with CDC to identify and confirm cases of Fusarium keratitis reported by state health departments and from FDA Medwatch reports.

The FDA and CDC are advising consumers to take precautions to reduce their risk for Fusarium keratitis through preventive practices for contact lens wearers that include:
Wash hands with soap and water, and dry (lint-free method) before handling lenses.
Wear and replace lenses according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor.
Follow the specific lens cleaning and storage guidelines from the doctor and the solution manufacturer.
Keep the contact lens case clean and replace every 3-6 months.
Remove the lenses and consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as redness, pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge or swelling.

For more information, please visit FDA’s Contact Lens and Eye Infections page at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/contacts.html