How to Treat Occular Rosecea

The inflammatory skin condition rosacea causes redness, small pimples and visible blood vessels on various areas of the face. About half of sufferers will also develop ocular rosacea, according to alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil; this condition can also occur on its own. Ocular rosacea results in symptoms like redness, dryness, styes, swollen eyelids, the feeling that something is in the eye and sensitivity to light. No cure exists, but several measures---primarily in the realm of self-care---can reduce flare-ups.

Instructions

• 1

  To reduce the development of ocular rosacea, limit direct sun exposure. The National Rosacea Society's survey of rosacea triggers found that 81 percent of respondents noted sun exposure as a trigger, making it the leading cause of this condition.

• 2

  Manage emotional stress and anxiety by whatever works the best for you. Examples of stress relievers include aerobic exercise, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and visualization.

• 3

  Avoid or limit the intake of foods and beverages that are known to trigger rosacea symptoms. The National Rosacea Society reported that case studies of patients have identified the most common triggers that include---but are not limited to---spicy foods, hot drinks, yogurt, sour cream, cheese, soy sauce, yeast extract, vinegar, eggplant, avocados, spinach, lima beans, navy beans, peas, citrus fruits, tomatoes, alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Although these common triggers may or may not apply to you personally, you should keep a food diary to identify your personal triggers.

• 4

  Eat a diet that reduces inflammation, according to Weil. Inflammation-causing foods include refined carbohydrates, sugar, omega-6 rich vegetable oils like corn, safflower and sunflower oil and animal fats. Anti-inflammatory foods include healthy fats like those found in fatty fish, nuts and seeds and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, provided they do not trigger your symptoms.

• 5

  Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot showers and other situations that cause a risk of overheating.

• 6

  Talk to your doctor about medications used to treat ocular rosacea. Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, writing for EmedTV, reported that common treatments include the oral antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline. More severe flare-ups may require steroid eye drops.