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...

Have you ever noticed red, irritated eyelids or an itchy, scratchy feeling at the base of your lashes? You might have been told you have Demodex blepharitis, or DB. Although DB may sound concerning, it’s very common. And, there are effective treatments available. 

What Is Demodex Blepharitis? 

Demodex blepharitis is a common type of eyelid inflammation caused by an overgrowth of Demodex mites. tiny These mites are tiny micro-organisms that live in your eyelash follicles. Everyone has some Demodex mites, but when their numbers increase too much, they can lead to irritation and inflammation. 

Signs and Symptoms of Demodex Blepharitis: 

🔴 Red, swollen eyelids 
🤕 Itchy or scratchy sensation at the lash line 
⚡ Burning or irritation, especially in the morning 
🕵️‍♂️ Crusty debris at the bas...

Today, I'm diving into a real discussion on Demodex mites and how they cause redness and irritation to your eyelashes. Yes, you heard that right! These microscopic critters love to make themselves at home in your eyelids and lashes, and you probably never even knew it. Let's talk about the Demodex mite who too small to see with the naked eye. 

Meet Demodex: Your Uninvited Eyelash Guest 🦠 

The demodex mite lives on the lash follicles of your eyes. Everyone has a few of these tiny party crashers living on our lids and lashes. It's perfectly normal! Learn more about this condition, Demodex blepharitis, here.

But here's the kicker: sometimes, these uninvited guests become over populated on your eyelashes, and that can lead to symptoms like irritation, redness, watering, lash thickening...