Recognizing and Treating Ocular Rosacea in Darker Skin Tones - Scorecard - MDSpire

Recognizing and Treating Ocular Rosacea in Darker Skin Tones

IPL, laser, and LLLT should be chosen carefully for safety across the spectrum of skin tones.

  • By

  • Sarah Fackler, managing editor, Optometric Management

  • January 1, 2026

  • 4 min

Share

Clinical Scorecard: Recognizing and Treating Ocular Rosacea in Darker Skin Tones

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionOcular Rosacea
Key MechanismsSubtle presentation in darker skin tones, with potential for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and meibomian gland dysfunction.
Target PopulationPatients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick classifications IV to VI).
Care SettingClinical settings providing dermatological and ophthalmological care.

Key Highlights

  • Ocular rosacea is common in dark-skinned females and presents differently than in lighter skin tones.
  • Treatment options include IPL, laser, and LLLT, with careful parameter selection for skin type.
  • Combination of IPL and meibomian gland expression yields superior results.
  • Post-treatment care is crucial to prevent hyperpigmentation and manage adverse events.
  • Education and training for staff are essential for effective treatment integration.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Recognize subtle signs of ocular rosacea in darker skin tones, including eyelid telangiectasia.

Management

  • Utilize IPL with conservative settings for treatment, especially in resistant cases.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Document all adverse events and adjust treatment protocols accordingly.

Risks

  • Monitor for hyperpigmentation and manage with topical agents if necessary.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with ocular rosacea, particularly those with darker skin tones.

Standardized forms should be used to determine Fitzpatrick skin type for appropriate treatment parameters.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Implement a waiting period of 4 weeks between initial IPL treatments.
  • Ensure comprehensive patient education materials reflect diverse skin tones.
  • Maintain a comfortable treatment environment with necessary supplies.

Related Resources & Content

Original Source(s)

Recognizing and Treating Ocular Rosacea in Darker Skin Tones

  • by Sarah Fackler, managing editor, Optometric Management

  • January 1, 2026

Related Content

Identifying MGD in Young Patients

Digital device use, lifestyle factors, and modern beauty practices affect the growing rate of dry eye in pediatric patients.

Everting the Upper Lid

Failure to examine the superior palpebral conjunctiva may lead to overlooked diagnoses of ocular and systemic conditions, resulting in delayed intervention and less favorable patient outcomes.

Blending Ocular Health and Aesthetics: Emerging Procedures for Optometric Practice

Eyecare professionals can address functional symptoms of ocular disease, as well as periocular aesthetic care and cosmetic concerns, in both separate and combined treatment frameworks, Selena McGee, OD, FAAO, Janelle Davison, OD, and Shalu Pal, OD, said in their “Beauty in Focus: Elevating Eyecare Through Ocular Aesthetics” presentation at Vision Expo.