Ocular acne rosacea in tertiary eye center in Saudi Arabia

To report the most common presenting signs and symptoms of ocular rosacea for timely diagnosis and management.

A retrospective chart review of 23 patients with a diagnosis of acne rosacea or a non-specific diagnosis was performed at a tertiary eye hospital. Patients with lid changes such as recurrent blepharitis; meibomianitis; recurrent chalazia; facial skin change such as papules, telangiectatic blood vessels, and/or rhinophyma were included. Data were collected on patient demographics, presenting symptoms, visual acuity, dermatologic findings and treatment.

There were 23 patients documented with acne rosacea with dermatologic facial findings associated with lid and/or corneal findings of peripheral thinning and vascularization. Two cases had a serious spontaneous peripheral corneal perforation. Most of the patients had no clinically significant change in visual acuity.

The diagnosis of ocular acne rosacea was straightforward despite non-specific findings. Diagnostic delay can result in serious complications.