Conditions · FAQ
Can rosacea affect my eyes?
Short answer
Yes. Rosacea can affect the eyes and eyelids, causing dryness, burning, a gritty feeling, redness, or swollen lids. Eye symptoms can occur even when facial symptoms are mild. Tell your physician about any eye concerns. Eye pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes need urgent in-person care, not just a skin cream.
Eye involvement is sometimes called ocular rosacea. Symptoms can include dry or watery eyes, burning, a gritty feeling, red eyes, and irritated eyelids. Some people develop repeated styes or crusting around the lashes. Eye symptoms do not always match the severity of facial symptoms and can sometimes appear before obvious skin changes.
Tell your physician if you have any of these concerns. Dry eyes, allergies, infections, and other eye conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an eye exam may be needed. A facial photo or online skin visit cannot fully assess the surface of the eye. Your physician may recommend an eye care professional.
Eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or any new vision change needs urgent in-person assessment. Do not wait for routine rosacea follow-up. Never put rosacea skin cream into your eyes or use leftover antibiotic or steroid eye drops without advice. An eye clinician can recommend care based on the cause. Treatment may ease eye symptoms and protect eye health. Results vary.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.