Ocular rosacea

What is ocular rosacea in children?

Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) is a common disease encountered at any age. It mainly affects the edge of the eyelid, at the root of the eyelashes or on its posterior surface, at the level of the Meibomian glands (the glands that produce an oily substance that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly from the eye and allow it to be lubricated). Both forms, when they become chronic, can cause damage to the cornea and conjunctiva by direct contact (this is called blepharokeratoconjunctivitis), as well as skin damage to the face (rosacea, acne, etc.).

What are signs of eyelid inflammation?

The classic symptoms are significant glare, eye discomfort or pain, red eyes, itching, watering, dry eye and blurred vision. The clinical signs to look for are: inflammation and redness of the edge of the eyelids, the presence of secretions or cysts in the eyelids, redness and irregularities of the conjunctiva, dryness and loss of transparency of the cornea.

What are the risk factors and conditions associated with infant rosacea?

A chronic inflammatory state of the eyelids, as well as repeated chalazions can promote the development of blepharokeratoconjunctivitis. The presence of corneal damage should be taken seriously and treated conscientiously, in order to avoid long-term consequences, such as the development of amblyopia (lazy eye) by loss of transparency of the cornea or astigmatism. Some dermatological diseases can promote blepharitis and are to be looked for systematically in chronic forms of eyelid inflammation.

How can ocular rosacea be treated in children?

To avoid the development of eye inflammation, daily and regular long-term eyelid care is essential. This consists of applying hot compresses to the edge of the eyelids, massaging the eyelid gland or inflamed cysts and emptying them of their secretions. 

In case of ocular inflammation, treatment with local antibiotic (drops or ophthalmic ointment) or oral antibiotics may be indicated. 

In the event of mild corneal damage, lubricating eye drops are recommended. If the cornea is severely affected, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops based on cortisone or immunomodulators will be prescribed. 

Diagnosing this disease and treating it early avoids the development of corneal damage with loss of its transparency, which is potentially irreversible. It is therefore essential to carry out regular monitoring of the clinical course while ensuring the adequate visual development of a child with ocular rosacea. The follow-up must also make it possible, if necessary, to provide a suitable optical correction (glasses) and to re-educate a possible amblyopia (lazy eye).

Find out more about children's visual disorders

Do you want to learn more about a particular visual condition? Discover our pages on chalazion, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, congenital glaucoma, and eye allergy.