Causes

The exact cause of ocular rosacea, like skin rosacea, is unknown. It may be due to one or more factors, including:

• Heredity
• Environmental factors
• Bacterial involvement
• Blocked glands in the eyelids
• Eyelash mites

Some research has also shown a possible link between skin rosacea and Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is the same bacteria that causes gastrointestinal infections.

A number of factors that aggravate skin rosacea can aggravate ocular rosacea, as well. Some of these factors include:

• Hot or spicy foods or beverages
• Alcohol
• Sunlight, wind or temperature extremes
• Certain emotions, such as stress, anger or embarrassment
• Strenuous exercise
• Hot baths or saunas