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 want to share why using soap and water isn't efficient for cleaning your lids and lashes. If you've been following me for a while, you know that I always talk about four simple steps to take care of your eyes daily because when you learn to take care of your eyes today, your vision will last a lifetime. Taking care of our eyes is as essential as taking care of our hair, skin, and teeth. Our eyes are irreplaceable, and we need to ensure they serve us well for life.

Many of my patients say, "Yeah, I wash my eyes in the shower," or "I clean them when I wash my face." But why isn't soap and water enough? There are bacteria and mites that live on our lids and lashes—everyone has them, and it's completely normal. However, for those of us who suffer from dry eye disease, our lids and la...

Spring brings a burst of colors and fragrances, but for many, it also marks the onset of ocular allergy symptoms. Itchy, watery eyes and incessant sneezing can make enjoying the season a challenge. However, with a few proactive steps, you can alleviate these symptoms and embrace the beauty of spring with clarity and comfort.

How do you know if it's an allergy?

There are a couple of symptoms that are the same between dry eyes and allergies so it can be hard to distinguish between the two problems. However, timing seems to play a big part in ocular allergies. If you suddenly notice the symptoms below, it's most likely to be allergy. 

• redness
• watering
• Itching - this is the hallmark sign of allergy
• Eyelid swelling
• Mucus or stringy discharge
• Topical antihistamine eye drops improve sym
...