Q I have rosacea and my eyes are stinging and dry. Can eye complications develop?
A Ocular rosacea accompanies approximately 50% of rosacea patients and can progress beyond blepharitis, dry eye, and conjunctivitis to corneal clouding and vision loss. Frequent eye stinging, light sensitivity, and blurring of vision are warning signs that require immediate ophthalmological diagnosis.
Detailed Answer
Warning: Untreated ocular rosacea can lead to corneal damage and vision loss. Ocular rosacea symptoms progress as follows: ①chronic eye redness and foreign-body sensation ②eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) ③dry eye ④corneal neovascularisation ⑤photosensitivity. Treatment at an ophthalmologist with antibiotic eye drops, eyelid cleansing, and cyclosporin eye drops is combined with dermatological rosacea treatment as mandatory. If you experience eye pain or vision changes, visit an ophthalmologist the same day.
Korean Medicine Perspective
In Korean medicine, Liver-Fire (肝火) delivers heat to the eyes (肝主目, the Liver governs the eyes), worsening ocular rosacea. At Dongjedang, we help regulate systemic heat with prescriptions including Yongdam-sagan-tang, Gyeolmyeongjia, and Gukka (chrysanthemum) formulas that drain Liver-Heat, but if you have eye symptoms, please proceed with ophthalmological treatment first.
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