Ocular Rosacea
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Disease Entity
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory acneiform skin condition that leads to erythema of the skin on the face and neck. It can frequently involve the eyes with studies showing ocular involvement in 6 to 58% of patients . It is characterized by a malar rash, which can include papules and pustules on the face and neck. The hallmarks of ocular rosacea include bilateral chronic blephatritis, recurrent chalazia, eyelid margin telangiectasia, meibomian gland inspissation and foreign body sensation. Left untreated, recurrent episodes can lead to peripheral corneal ulceration, corneal scarring and neovascularization.
Pathophysiology
Rosacea is thought to be an inflammatory condition without an definitive etiology. It is thought to represent a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. Possible sources of inflammation include bacterial lipase action on free fatty acids, elevated levels of interleukin alpha, demodex mites and vascular incompetence. It can be exacerbated by consumption of alcohol and coffee because of their vasodilatory effects.
Clinical Presentation
Rosacea is characterized by excessive sebum secretion. Most frequently found in patients 30-60 years old and is up to three times more common in Women. Patients can clinically present with telangiectasias of the eyelid margin, recurrent chalazia, facial pustles, conjunctival injection, papules and erythema of cheeks, forehead, and nose. Rhinophyma of the nose can occur as a late finding. Corneal findings include neovascularization, stromal scarring, and in severe cases, corneal perforation.
Differential diagnosis
Lupus erythematosus
Herpes simplex keratitis
seborrheic dermatitis
Management
Systemic tetracyclines are thought to decrease inflammation associated with rosacea and are often first line agents for patient's with moderate disease. Topical metronidazole can be used to treat facial lesions. Other immunosuppressive therapies such as topical steroids and topical cyclosporine may be helpful in reducing chronic eyelid and corneal inflammation. Warm compresses and lid hygeine may also improve symptoms.
References
Stone DU, Chodosh J. Ocular rosacea: an update on pathogenesis and therapy. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2004;15(6):499-502
AAO Basic and Clinical Science Course, External Disease and Cornea, 2010-2011, 69-70.
