Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is responsible for causing inflammation of the skin of the face, nose, and forehead. This article discusses ocular rosacea which affects the eyes, and its natural treatment.
Ocular rosacea is a condition, wherein the eye gets inflamed as a result of rosacea. Generally, individuals in the age group 30-60 and those with a fair complexion are more prone to this condition. It is also common in people with light-colored hair and eyes. Although there is no cure for this condition, its symptoms can be managed to slow down its progress.
Causes
The factors responsible for causing this condition have still not been identified. However, there are a few triggers, which make the condition worse. The common ones include:
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Consumption of alcohol
- Excessive consumption of spicy food
- Consumption of hot foods or beverages
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight
- Strenuous exercises
- Frequent hot baths or saunas
- Side effects of certain drugs
- Stress
Symptoms
Early symptoms that indicate the occurrence of the disease are itchiness in the eyes and having a feeling of something stuck inside the eyes, accompanied by a burning sensation. The eyes might get dry, and the patient may experience blurred vision and redness in the eyes. The affected person may develop an increased sensitivity to light, with swollen eyelids. Another symptom observed is the whites of the eyes show small blood vessels getting dilated.
Treatment
The following self-care measures can practiced to keep the condition from getting aggravated:
- For mild symptoms such as dryness of the eye, equipment such as humidifiers that raise the humidity levels at home can be used. Artificial tears may also help relieve the dryness.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses in case of dry eyes.
- A diluted baby shampoo on a warm-wet cloth can be used to wash the eyelashes daily. This may help keep the tear glands clear and unblocked.
- Since the exposure to sunlight worsens the condition, use sunglasses and hats to prevent direct contact with the sun’s rays.
- Reduce the consumption of alcohol and spicy foods
The aforementioned self-care measures help alleviate the symptoms of ocular rosacea. However, for optimal treatment, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine which lifestyle changes and treatments would prove beneficial in controlling your condition.
Disclaimer: This HolisticZine article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
