Ocular rosacea can be managed by keeping to a strict eye care routine. This routine should be kept up even when the condition seems to clear up. This aids in the prevention of flare-ups. The tips below can also be used to help manage the condition:
- Reduce Inflammation by eating an organic, plant-based alkalizing diet. We recommend eating a green smoothie every morning for breakfast to start. Click here to check out our green smoothie recipes. This is the single most important thing when battling rosacea.
- Wash face and eyelid area with an all natural, tea tree oil based face wash and eyelid cleanser, or use the Heyedrate tea tree soap bar. This will help with soothing the redness and itching as opposed to chemically ridden soaps. Tea tree oil is also great for demodex eyelid mites, which are common in those with ocular rosacea and rosacea in general.
- Ensure eyelids are cleaned twice in a day: a cotton round/ball should be sprayed with a hypochlorous acid eyelid cleanser, such as Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser, and then moved across the eyelid to eradicate oil and debris from the area. Also, spray this hypochlorous acid eyelid cleanser on areas of rosacea on the skin to help alleviate symptoms.
- A warm compress should be applied: blocked glands can be loosened by applying a warm compress eye mask, such as that from Heyedrate, that has been microwaved for 20 seconds. Allow it to sit on closed eyes for 10 to 20 minutes, reheating as needed. However, if your skin is sensitive to this, forego the warm compress altogether.
- Makeup should be avoided: the moment a flare-up happens, makeup should be avoided, as well as any facial products which consist of skin irritants like fragrances. The majority of people discover that the moment the flare-ups subside, they are able to begin using their regular makeup. Also use an all natural makeup remover, not the typical ones in stores that are filled with chemicals.
- Stick to glasses instead of contact lenses: the moment the eyes get irritated, contact lenses should be avoided. Once the episode subsides you can return to wearing contact lenses. Also consider switching to daily disposable contact lenses, which you throw away every day.
- Sun exposure should be limited: sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat should be used to limit exposure to sunlight. UV rays are a common rosacea trigger. It is also imperative to stay away from sun tanning beds.
- Consume omega-3 fatty acids: various studies have shown that flaxseed oil and fish oil consumption could help lower rosacea flare-ups. Certain grocery stores and health food outlets sell whole flaxseed, omega-3 supplement capsules or flaxseed oil. Check out the Heyedrate Omega-3 for Eye Health to get in your omegas!
- Make use of artificial tears: artificial tears can help alleviate the dryness in one’s eyes. Nevertheless, it is better to first consult an optometrist about the kind of eye drops to be used and the frequency of their use. These won’t necessary help with the treatment of your ocular rosacea, but may provide symptom relief for a few minutes to hours.