Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder which cause long-lasting redness on certain areas of the face. Rosacea is commonly located on forehead, cheeks, and nose. Research find out that rosacea may affect the eyes. This mostly happens with untreated rosacea. However, not anyone with rosacea will experience this eye problem. Rosacea which affects the eyes and sometimes, eyelids is known as an ocular rosacea. Ocular rosacea is experienced by almost a half of people suffering from this chronic disease. They report the sensation of itching, burning, and stinging in the eyes, accompanied by light sensitivity and dryness. Ocular rosacea also causes watery eyes and bloodshot.

Why does rosacea cause bloodshot eyes?

Rosacea usually happens to the face—cheek, nose, and forehead. However, some people experiencing rosacea also report that they have got bloodshot eyes during the outbreak. This is the condition where the eyes are severely reddish in color and may be accompanied by swollen eyelids. Dry flakes and scabs can even occur on the eyelid areas. In more severe condition, styes filled with pus are also found between eyelashes.

During rosacea flare up, the eye might be effected and develops conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation happening to the thin layer of tissue covering the eyeballs and inner surfaces of eyelids. These tissues are swelling and irritated, which causes swelling blood vessels on the eye. Hence, one or both eyes may look bloodshot. Many people feel the sensation of strange debris interfering this eye ball. This severely red eye is accompanied by red face developed during the outbreak.

Is bloodshot eyes dangerous?

Red eye syndrome, especially the one caused by rosacea happens when the blood vessels are irritated. With rosacea, this happens along with red faces and possibly styes. Initial symptoms of red eye may not cause any harms other than the gritty feeling o the eyes or the sensation of itching and burning. This is usually an effect of rosacea outbreak which will respond to the medications for ocular rosacea. However, untreated ocular rosacea might be a medical concern. An irritated eyelid might promote dry scales and flakes and causes eyelashes fall. This is a concern because your eyelashes are needed to shed the eyeball from dirt and sweat which may cause another kind of eye problems. An ocular rosacea can also lead into some more serious eye problems, such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and acute glaucoma. These eye problems may cause vision loss and lead to permanent blindness.

How to treat bloodshot eyes caused by rosacea?

Rosacea often occur randomly and unpredictably. Some people have even had rosacea for a long time and do not feel anything except when the outbreak is happening. Hence, some rosacea become more severe and thus, affect not only facial skin but also the nose and the eyes. Bloodshot eyes, which is one of the symptoms of ocular rosacea may respond to the oral medications prescribed for rosacea. However, there are some things to consider to heal this ocular rosacea faster and prevent further infection.

1. Maintain eye hygiene. Eye problems are often caused by bacteria. With rosacea, some styes might occur on the eyelid area, and it is important to clean this area during the outbreak to prevent more severe bacterial infection.
2. Apply regular medication. Bloodshot eyes usually respond well to rosacea medications. Applying it regularly and consistently is the key to faster healing.
3. Warm compress the eyelids. Bloodshot eyes caused by rosacea is usually followed by dry, swollen eyelids. Hence, it is important to clean these eyelid areas with clean water or non-abrasive cleanser. Lukewarm compress also help reducing the itching and pain which usually comes with this problem.
4. Protect the affected eyes from sunlight exposure. Excessive sunlight might cause more infection and drier eyes. Wearing sunglasses while you are out might help providing protection against the harmful ultraviolet.
5. Artificial tears may be needed during this outbreak to reduce dryness to the eyes. Consulting a doctor about this is important.
6. Stop wearing harsh skin care products or make ups. Cosmetics and skin care products might contain harsh substances which make the eyelids infected worse. Replacing with milder natural products is suggested.