Ocular Rosacea Eye Drops

Ocular rosacea is irritating and has no cure. If you believe you have it, see a doctor and ask to see an ophthalmologist. Generally, ocular rosacea is simply uncomfortable. In some cases, it can lead to the cornea being inflamed, a condition known as keratitis.

What Happens at the Ophthalmologist?

When you go to an ophthalmologist, you'll undergo a thorough exam. The doctor will look at how much the oil glands in the eyelids are blocked. Strips to measure tear production are also used. None of the tests are uncomfortable. You will need someone else to drive you home, however, as your eyes are dilated and vision can be blurry. Bring sunglasses for the ride home.

Treatments for ocular rosacea include using warm compresses on the eyelids a few times a day. Lubricating eye drops are necessary. Supplements that include flaxseed oil and fish oil are also recommended. When it comes to lubricating eye drops, you need to be sure you're getting the right type of drops. Visine isn't right. Visine that treats redness can make ocular rosacea more uncomfortable. You need drops that lubricate the eyes for hours.

Ingredients Your Eye Drops Need to Have

When shopping for lubricating eye drops, make sure they are, in fact, lubricating. They should have carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Ideally, look for brands that don't use preservatives. Doctor's recommend these three preservative-free artificial tears for ocular rosacea:

• Try Refresh Optive
• Try Systane Ultra
• Try TheraTears

Your tears are a mix of mucus, water, and oil. Your body produces them all and they mix and lubricate your eye after leaving the tear duct. Ocular rosacea blocks the oil glands. It reduces the amount of oil in the tears, so they evaporate quickly. The ingredients in lubricating eye drops increase the oil and slow down the evaporation process.

Try different lubricating eye drops for rosacea out. You'll end up finding brands that work better for your needs. Keep them at your office, at home, and in your purse or wallet. The itching and scratchiness will appear at random times, and you don't want to sit and rub your skin raw. That's damaging. Having artificial tears on hand makes it easier to treat the scratching and itching when it happens.

Look online for coupons. When I find them, I post links on the Red Face Solutions Facebook page. Coupons will help cut costs on the lubricating eye drops for rosacea. Shopping at Amazon makes it easier to compare prices and find the best deal.