Ocular rosacea
Ocular rosacea is inflammation of the eye causing redness, burning and itching of the eyes.
It often develops in people who have rosacea, a chronic skin condition that affects the face. Sometimes ocular rosacea may develop before the rosacea of the face and may be the presenting feature. Ocular rosacea primarily affects adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years of age. It seems to develop in people who tend to blush and flush easily.
What are the symptoms of ocular rosacea?
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Red, burning, itchy or watering eyes
- Grittiness or a foreign body sensation
- Sensitivity to light or photophobia
- Dilated small blood vessels on the front of the eye
- Red and swollen eyelids
- Recurrent eyelid infections including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eyelid styes
What causes ocular rosacea?
The exact cause of ocular rosacea, like skin rosacea, is not clearly understood. It is thought to be caused by the following factors:
- Heredity factors
- Environmental factors
- Bacterial involvement
- Blocked meibomian glands in the eyelids
- Eyelash mites
How does the IPL treatment work in ocular rosacea?
Patients with facial or ocular rosacea, have abnormally dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) along the eyelid margins. These dilated vessels cause an increase in eyelid inflammation causing MGD. Treatment for ocular rosacea involves heat from the IPL closes these telangiectatic or dilated vessels by using wavelengths of light to absorb oxyhaemoglobin found in the blood causing redness. It also opens up the meibomian glands liquifying the oil within the glands. You may have a manual expression of the meibomian glands to release the oil blocking the glands in the eyelid glands.
How is the IPL treatment done?
IPL therapy is normally straightforward. Our doctors, nurses and technicians are experienced and well trained in IPL. Treatment for ocular rosacea will begin with consultation with discussion regarding your therapy including a personalised plan suited to your needs. The smooth, glass surface of the IPL treatment head is applied to the area delivering precise pulses of light to the area being treated. Most patients can return to work immediately after treatment.
What are the risks?
You will be advised to wear protective eyewear during the course of treatment.
Does it hurt?
A local anaesthetic gel may be applied to the area but is not usually necessary. A cold gel is applied to the area being treated. IPL devices often have integrated cooling systems and therefore, the treatment is usually well tolerated. Some may find it akin to a sharp pinch. IPL treatments are relatively painless compared to other facial rejuvenation techniques.
What can I expect following treatment?
Treatment sessions usually last about 20 minutes each. Avoid exposure to the sun and apply Sunscreen SPF 30-50 every 2 hours for the next two weeks. You may have mild swelling, redness or crusting for up to 5 days after treatment.
How long does the treatment last?
A course of 4-6 sessions every 3-6 weeks may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
Our Treatments and Price List
| New patient consultation | £325 |
| Any surgical treatment or injection will be in addition to consultation fee |
| Follow up appointment | £275 |
| IPL treatment for dry eye & facial rosacea | £350 |
| per treatment |
| IPL treatment for dry eye | £250 |
| per treatment |
| Temporary plugs | £200 |
| 6 months |
| Permanent plugs | £250 |
If you would like to discuss Dermatology treatments, please get in touch with a member of our team
