#237: The Impact of Rosacea on your Eyes

How Facial Rosacea Triggers Dry Eye & What You Can Do About It 

If you have rosacea on your face and you’re also experiencing eyes that are dry, stinging, or burning, you're not alone. I personally suffer from facial rosacea and many of my dry eye patients do as well. These two conditions are more connected than you might think. 

In my clinic, I regularly see patients frustrated by facial redness and irritated eyes. What many don’t realize is that facial rosacea can directly impact your eye health through a condition called ocular rosacea. 

What Is Rosacea? 

Facial rosacea appears as flushed cheeks, visible red blood vessels, or bumps on the cheeks and chin. This is more common in people with fair skin. The redness is caused from irregular blood vessels on the cheeks, nose, and eyelids. These blood vessels release inflammation into the skin and eyes. Triggers that worsen the inflammation often include exercise, spicy foods, alcohol, or hot temperatures. 

But in up to 50% of cases, those with facial rosacea also develop ocular rosacea. This form targets the eyes, causing: 

• Redness along the eyelid margins 

• Dryness and scratchiness 

• A burning or stinging sensation 

• Blurred vision or eye fatigue 

You might not see the tiny blood vessels that form on the inner rims of your eyelids, but you'll certainly feel the symptoms. Left untreated, ocular rosacea can worsen over time, even leading to increased inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction, and chronic dry eye disease. 

A Skincare Solution That’s Helping My Patients 

Treating rosacea-related dry eye requires a gentle approach to skin care. The cleansers and moisturizers used on rosacea prone skin need to calm both the skin and the eyes. I’ve started recommending Eyes Are the Story skincare to many of my patients. 

Here’s why it works: 

• The Cleanser is ultra-light, calming, and removes surface irritants without stripping protective oils from your skin. Patients report less facial flushing and fewer breakouts. 

• The Moisturizer soothes sensitive skin. It is especially effective around the eyes. Unlike many facial creams, it doesn’t sting when used near the eyelids.

What’s exciting is that by calming facial rosacea, we’re also seeing a reduction in eye discomfort. When facial skin becomes less inflamed, the eyelids tend to follow. And patients often report decreased symptoms of burning, stinging, and redness. 

The Takeaway 

If you’ve been battling both facial rosacea and dry eyes, consider a routine that treats both conditions with care. Using rosacea-safe skincare products like those from Eyes Are the Story can help soothe the surface of your skin and support healthier, more comfortable eyes. 

As always, consult your eye care provider for a personalized treatment plan. But if you’re looking for a safe, gentle place to start, these facial products are an absolute game-changer.