Prevalence of ocular manifestations in cutaneous rosacea: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Objective: Ocular rosacea (OR) is a rosacea subtype, typically presenting as dry eye, foreign body sensation, and photophobia. Prevalence estimates of OR in cutaneous rosacea (CR) range from 0.03% to 65%. This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidate the prevalence of diagnosed OR within CR and ocular involvement of CR.

Methods: Primary research studies reporting the prevalence of OR in adults with CR were eligible for inclusion. Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool for Prevalence Studies and a Peters' regression test assessed risk of bias. Results were analyzed through random intercept logistic regression models using R. Studies reporting diagnosed OR were analyzed separately from those reporting ocular involvement.

Results: 28 studies were identified, 11 reported on diagnosed OR, and 17 reported on ocular involvement in CR. Prevalence of diagnosed OR (N = 124 093) was 10.3%, whereas the prevalence of ocular involvement in CR (N = 1 747) was 44.3%. In diagnosed OR, publication year significantly contributed to variations in reported OR prevalence, with more recent studies reporting a lower prevalence of diagnosed OR compared to older studies.

Discussion: This study highlights the variability in reported prevalences of OR and ocular involvement in CR. This might be explained by a lack of clear guidelines on how to diagnose and refer patients with CR and co-occurring ocular signs and symptoms. Greater clinician awareness and clear referral guidelines are warranted.