Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Ocular Rosacea & Eye Styes

If you’re experiencing red, irritated eyes or recurring eyelid bumps, you might be dealing with ocular rosacea, eye styes, or both. These conditions are often linked to dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction, impacting your comfort and eye health. NVision Optix specializes in diagnosing and treating these conditions to help you find lasting relief.

Diagnosis & Treatment Options At NVision Optix

At NVision Optix, we offer personalized care plans to manage ocular rosacea and styes effectively. Our treatments include:

  • ZEST (Zocular® Eyelid System Treatment): A gentle, in-office procedure that cleanses the eyelid margins using a plant-based okra formula. ZEST removes debris, biofilm, and Demodex mites, which are often associated with ocular rosacea and blepharitis.

  • IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation and improves meibomian gland function, addressing the root causes of dry eye and ocular rosacea.

What Is Ocular Rosacea?

Ocular rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the eyes and eyelids. It often accompanies skin rosacea but can occur independently. Symptoms include:

  • Red or bloodshot eyes

  • Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations

  • Light sensitivity

  • Swollen, red eyelids

  • Watery or dry eyes

  • Frequent eye infections or styes

Ocular rosacea is frequently underdiagnosed due to symptom overlap with other eye conditions. Our team conducts comprehensive evaluations to determine if ocular rosacea is contributing to your discomfort.

What Is A Stye?

A stye is a red, painful bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland or infected hair follicle. While styes are usually short-lived, recurring styes may indicate underlying issues like blepharitis or ocular rosacea.

Types of styes:

  • 1

    External stye: Located near the base of an eyelash, typically caused by an infected follicle.

  • 2

    Internal stye: Occurs within the eyelid, caused by a blocked meibomian gland.

How Ocular Rosacea & Styes Are Connected

Ocular rosacea leads to inflammation of the eyelids and oil glands, increasing the risk of clogged glands and recurring styes. It also contributes to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of both dry eye and eyelid infections. When these glands don’t produce sufficient healthy oils, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to irritation, inflammation, and infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ocular rosacea is a subtype of rosacea that affects the eyes and eyelids. While it’s related to facial rosacea, it can occur even without skin symptoms.

Yes. Ocular rosacea often leads to inflammation of the oil glands in the eyelids, which causes meibomian gland dysfunction, a major contributor to dry eye disease.

Recurring styes are often linked to chronic inflammation, clogged oil glands, or conditions like blepharitis and ocular rosacea. Poor eyelid hygiene can also play a role.

Experience Advanced Dry Eye Treatment and Personalized Care

At NVision Optix, our clinical and technological expertise, combined with our passion for individualized care, sets us apart. We’re committed to optimizing not just your vision, but your overall eye health. Every treatment we offer, including ZEST, is thoughtfully tailored to your unique needs and comfort.

Ready to take the next step in your dry eye care journey? Explore the benefits of ZEST, IPL, and RF treatments by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Donahue or Dr. Benitz today

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