| Abstract [eng] |
The aim: to evaluate ocular rosacea associated eye damage prevalence and most common ocular symptoms among rosacea patients, and to evaluate the treatment provided for eye damage and its effects. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of rosacea-specific eye damage among patients with rosacea. To determine the most common eye symptoms caused by rosacea and compare their frequency with the results of individuals without rosacea. To identify the most commonly used treatment for ocular lesions caused by rosacea and to evaluate the effect of the treatment from the patient's perspective. Methods: from 2023 July until 2024 January, quantitative anonymous questionnaire-based research was conducted. The questionnaire was available on the Internet, in specialized rosacea-related or general social network groups, in the Dermatovenereology Center, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, and in one private dermatology clinic in Vilnius. Participants answered questions describing demographics, skin rosacea, ocular involvement, satisfaction with treatment and communication, and completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire. Results: 338 respondents were included in the research analysis, of which 32.2 % were assigned to the rosacea group, and 67.8 % – for the control group of people who do not have rosacea. In the rosacea group, 31.2 % of respondents experienced ocular symptoms, in the control group – 26.6 %, but the determined difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.384). In the rosacea group, the most frequently observed ocular symptoms were the dryness (24.8 %) and redness (21.1 %) of the eye, and redness or swelling of the eyelid skin (21.1 %). Patients with rosacea more often experienced burning or stinging of the eyes (p < 0.001), and more often observed dilated blood vessels in the conjunctiva (p = 0.023) and on the eyelid or its edge (p = 0.002). Also, in patients with rosacea, eyelid skin symptoms more often appeared on the skin of both eyelids (p < 0.001), in the control group – only on one eyelid (p = 0.034). The most common methods of treatment used for eye damage were artificial tears (79.4 %), eyelid hygiene (58.8 %) and avoidance of disease-triggering factors (58.8 %), the least common – topical immunomodulators (26.5 %). According to the respondents, the complete disappearance of eye symptoms was mostly achieved by using topical antibiotics – symptoms disappeared in 20.6 % of the respondents. The least effective measure, which did not help a quarter (23.5 %) of the respondents, was the avoidance of disease-triggering factors. Conclusions: ocular rosacea associated symptoms appear in one third of people diagnosed with rosacea. The most common symptoms of ocular rosacea are non-specific, such as dryness and redness of the conjunctiva and skin of the eyelids. Burning or stinging of the eyes, dilated blood vessels of the conjunctiva or eyelid skin are more prevalent in rosacea patients than in the general population. Artificial tears, eyelid hygiene, and avoidance of disease-triggering factors are most often used to treat ocular rosacea. Most of the time, the disappearance of eye symptoms is achieved by using topical antibiotics, rarely – by avoiding disease-triggering factors. |
