Find Health Information:

Below are links to pages that speak to diseases, conditions, treatments and procedures that we commonly see in the field of retina specialty. While many of the diseases we treat or services we provide are not listed, we are continually adding to this section to provide further educational materials to improve your health care experience.

What is Acne Rosacea?

Acne rosacea (roh-ZAY-sha) is a chronic non-infectious skin condition that causes redness and pimples on the forehead, cheeks and nose (butterfly rash) and chin. The condition often looks like adult acne but without blackheads. Acne rosacea can also affect the eyes and eyelids, causing burning and soreness. Up to half of all people who have acne rosacea get eye problems.

What Causes Acne Rosacea?

The exact cause of acne rosacea remains unclear. It mostly develops in women (especially during menopause), people with fair skin, and adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years.

How could acne rosacea affect me and my eyes?

If your eyes are affected by acne rosacea, they may look red, feel dry, burn, make excess tears, and/or feel gritty, as though they have sand in them. Your eyelids may become inflamed or swollen; you may become sensitive to light.

Acne Rosacea may also cause blurred vision or other vision problems.

How is eye disease due to acne rosacea treated?

Eye disease due to acne rosacea is most often treated with antibiotics taken by mouth.

The eyelids should be cleaned several times a day with a lid scrub, a warm compress, or both.

Steroids or other eyedrops may sometimes be prescribed.

Artificial tears may help soothe dry eyes.