Ocular Rosacea: A Real Struggle - modernfamilyblog.com

I’m sharing my experience with ocular rosacea today because I’m fortunate enough to be having a relatively good “eye day,” allowing me to stare at a computer screen for more than a few minutes. I’ve learned to embrace these good moments with productivity and joy while navigating the bad days with self-compassion, ice packs, and a good podcast.

My battle with ocular rosacea started 18 months ago when I began to feel discomfort with my contact lenses. After two decades of wearing them, I found that I had to cut back my wear time until I could no longer tolerate them at all. Initially, my optometrist diagnosed me with dry eye, but six months later, a visit to a dry eye clinic in Toronto led to my official diagnosis: ocular rosacea and meibomian gland dysfunction. The tiny blood vessels in my eyelids indicated rosacea, which had caused my glands to stop producing the oily layer of tears. Without this essential layer, my tears evaporated almost immediately.

While my dry eye symptoms are bothersome, the flare-ups from rosacea can be debilitating. During these episodes, I suffer from photophobia (light sensitivity), and my eyelids feel like sandpaper. Blinking or even looking at my phone is painful, and driving becomes impossible. Some individuals experience significant redness, but my eyes often appear normal.

I’ve explored numerous treatment options for ocular rosacea, but it remains a chronic issue. First-line treatments typically include oral antibiotics (which didn’t help me), topical steroids (that caused extreme rebound inflammation), or prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops like Restasis and Xiidra. I’ve been on Restasis for seven months, and I feel it has improved my symptoms by about 10-15%.

I’ve also undergone various in-office treatments, some involving Intense Pulsed Light. These treatments can initially worsen my symptoms but ultimately seem to provide some marginal benefit. Additionally, I’ve experimented with elimination diets, dietary supplements, hot compresses, and lid hygiene. I’ve tried most treatments available in Canada, many of which aren’t covered by insurance, leaving me thousands of dollars in without significant improvement. However, I remain hopeful that I will eventually find the right combination of treatments to regain functionality. While I may continue to experience flare-ups, my husband often reminds me, “higher highs and higher lows are the goal,” a sentiment that resonates with my journey.

This condition has undeniably impacted my mental health. During flare-ups, I often panic, fearing that my discomfort will last indefinitely. When I’m symptom-free, I feel immense gratitude but also bouts of resentment—why is this happening to me? Will I ever be able to wear contacts or makeup again? It may seem superficial, but as a singer/songwriter, not being able to wear makeup during performances poses a significant challenge.

Will my condition stabilize enough to allow me to make professional commitments in the future? I recognize that my situation is not life-threatening, and many face much greater challenges. However, I must permit myself to acknowledge the pain this experience has caused me, both mentally and physically.

Like many others with chronic conditions, I find myself searching for answers to why this is happening. Unfortunately, medical professionals have offered little in the way of root cause explanations, aside from the fact that rosacea commonly appears in one’s thirties, and I just happen to have it manifest in my eyes.

As a mother of two young boys, I’m fortunate to have a partner with a stable job who has provided unwavering support throughout this ordeal. We have enough help with the kids to fill in when I’m bedridden with ice on my face, and we can afford my treatments. We truly count ourselves among the lucky ones.

If your eyes feel uncomfortable or you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, please don’t overlook it. Consult with an eye care professional. If ignored, those critical meibomian glands can deteriorate permanently. If your eyes are healthy and comfortable, take care of them! Wash your face, remove your makeup, don’t sleep in your contacts, and clean your brushes (said with love)!

For those dealing with ocular rosacea or any other chronic invisible condition, I see you and share in your pain. Let’s learn to ride the waves together, take deep breaths, love ourselves, and hold onto hope for a brighter tomorrow. For more insights, check out this other blog post on the topic, and for further information on home insemination, visit Make A Mom. Additionally, if you’re looking for pregnancy resources, this link provides excellent information.

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Summary

Ocular rosacea is a challenging and often painful condition that impacts both physical and mental health. The author shares their 18-month journey of diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of self-care, support, and hope. They encourage others experiencing similar symptoms to seek professional help and to prioritize eye health.

Keyphrase: ocular rosacea

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