Ocular rosacea: The often-overlooked component of rosacea

Abstract

Ocular rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the eyes and periocular skin as part of the broader cutaneous rosacea skin disease. Cutaneous rosacea is common, affecting approximately 5.5% of the global population, where up to 72% of patients will develop ocular involvement either before or after the cutaneous disease. Clinical features of ocular rosacea include Meibomian gland disease, blepharitis and conjunctivitis. Ocular rosacea reduces quality of life through various potential mechanisms including anxiety, social withdrawal and physical discomfort. If left untreated, ocular rosacea can reduce visual acuity and in severe cases, vision loss. Several topical and systemic treatment options are available, with efficacies based on their anti-inflammatory properties. This review focuses on the clinical features of ocular rosacea, differential diagnoses and treatment options with the aim of aiding clinicians involved in the care of rosacea patients to better identify onset of the ocular manifestations of rosacea and prevent its severe complications.