At Experience Care Clinic, your optometrist will assess your ocular rosacea (redness along the eyelid margins, dryness, reduced function of the Meibomian glands) and discuss possible treatments: IPL OptiLight, ZEST, photobiomodulation, or a home care routine.
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Ocular rosacea is an inflammatory condition. It causes the eyes to appear red, dry, irritated, or sensitive to light.
It often appears alongside facial rosacea. Ocular symptoms may even be the first signs that are noticed.
In many individuals, ocular rosacea coexists with a Meibomian gland dysfunction or a blepharitis. Consequently, assessing the eyelids becomes as important as evaluating the surface of the eye.
Because these symptoms resemble other eye issues, the optometrist first checks the role of the eyelids, tears, and the surface of the eye.
THE CARE EXPERIENCE
The optometrist examines redness, the eyelid margin, tear quality, and the surface of the eye.
Rosacea, blepharitis, eyelid glands, deposits, Demodex, or habits can contribute to symptoms.
Routine, treatment in the clinic, or referral are discussed only if the signs warrant it — for example, inflammation, deposits, or corneal involvement.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary from one period to another. They often resemble other surface eye issues.
01
Redness may come and go or persist longer.
02
Eyes can feel warm, itchy, or gritty.
03
Tears can become less stable, especially when the eyelid glands are not functioning optimally.
04
Vision can fluctuate when the surface of the eye is irritated or dry.
Eyelid margins can be red, sensitive, or uncomfortable.
An irritated eye can water even when it's dry.
Light can become more difficult to tolerate during inflammatory periods.
These signs may suggest blepharitis or associated deposits.
In some patients, chronic eyelid inflammation can contribute to recurrences.
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Ocular rosacea is monitored in stages. The optometrist first examines the eyelids, tears, and inflammation, then discusses the next steps with you.
Dr. Francesca Olinga, optometrist
Severity benchmarks
Ocular rosacea is not divided here into distinct diagnoses. The benchmarks instead identify the intensity of the signs: eyelids, eye surface, or cornea.
Severity benchmarks
Eyelids, eye surface, or cornea: what the optometrist checks
These benchmarks help identify the intensity of the signs. They do not replace a comprehensive evaluation by the optometrist.
01
Mild
Redness of the eyelid margins, discomfort, a sandy sensation, or less stable eyelid glands.
Signs
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Sensitive eyelid margins
•
Sandy sensation
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Less stable tears
02
Moderate
Increased dryness, burning, tearing, fluctuating vision, or sensitivity to light.
Signs
•
Increased burning or irritation
•
Fluctuating vision
•
Light sensitivity
03
Severe
Pain, decreased vision, high sensitivity to light, or significant irritation that requires prompt evaluation.
Signs
•
Significant pain
•
Decreased vision
•
Severe light sensitivity
Ce qui se passe
01
The glands located in the eyelids produce an oily layer that can become less fluid or exit less effectively.
02
When the oily layer doesn't protect as well, the eye dries out more quickly.
03
Dryness and inflammation can make the eye surface more sensitive to irritants.
Origine
Ocular rosacea is not just redness. It alters the balance between the eyelid margin, the Meibomian glands and the surface of the eye.
These small glands produce the oily layer that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When this oil becomes less fluid or is produced in lesser amounts, tears evaporate more rapidly. The eye becomes drier, more sensitive, and more reactive.
Inflammation then perpetuates a cycle: irritated eyelids, less stable tears, a more fragile eye surface. For some patients, this can also lead to a blepharitis stye or recurring chalazia and styes. Ocular rosacea often has a chronic tendency. Symptoms may decrease and then return during irritation periods triggered by wind, heat, sunlight, or certain cosmetics.
Perspective
Ocular rosacea often occurs in flare-ups, with quieter periods alternating with episodes of irritation. Clinic follow-up helps better control triggers (heat, stress, alcohol, diet, sun exposure) and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
The optometrist does not promise permanent disappearance. Instead, they aim to reduce the factors that contribute to flare-ups, support tear stability, and adjust the routine based on observed responses.
Reassessment becomes important when symptoms change, when light becomes difficult to tolerate, when vision declines, or when episodes recur frequently.
Ocular rosacea is usually monitored in clinic without urgency. However, some signs require quicker evaluations. They may suggest involvement of the eye surface or cornea.
Certain changes indicate that the cornea or vision needs to be checked quickly.
Significant or worsening pain warrants prompt evaluation.
Urgent
Vision loss or persistent blurriness warrants a prompt evaluation.
Immediat
Light sensitivity may indicate a more irritated ocular surface and warrants prompt evaluation.
Urgent
Significant redness or redness affecting only one eye requires prompt evaluation.
Urgent
Remove your contact lenses and seek a prompt evaluation if the eye is red and painful.
Immediat
Routine, eyelid treatment, intense pulsed light or referral: the measures discussed depend on inflammation, deposits, eyelid glands, and the eye surface.
Routine, eyelid treatment, intense pulsed light or referral: the optometrist explains what can be discussed in your situation.
Schedule an assessment
An optometrist and founder of the CARE Clinic, Dr. Francesca Olinga understands dry eye because she has experienced it. Experienced in the management of complex cases (neuropathic pain, demodex, chalazions), she uses innovation and attentive listening to guide you toward improved eye comfort.
Optometrist with over 30 years of experience and speaker for eye care professionals. Dr. Nguyen has experience in improving visual quality affected by dry eye. She supports her patients in reconciling their aesthetic goals (makeup, cosmetics) and optimal eye comfort.
An optometrist and member of theOOQ, Dr. Daniel Nguyen splits his practice between eye exams in an optometry clinic and advanced management of dry eye conditions at the CARE Clinic. This dual practice provides him with a comprehensive view of his patients' visual health, from routine screenings to cutting-edge therapeutic protocols. dry eye Biography of Karine Charbonneau
