Ocular acne rosacea in tertiary eye center in Saudi Arabia.

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

METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

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