Posters

Paediatric ocular rosacea: an underdiagnosed condition

Poster Details

First Author: M.Fornella URUGUAY

Co Author(s):    R. Cessio   C. Cessio                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To describe the case report of a 10-year-old boy who presented with a 14 month history of recurrent red eye, intense photophobia, blepharitis and multiple chalazia who had been treated with antibiotic ointments and topical steroids with partial remission of symptoms and recurrence after suspending treatment.

Setting:

Eye Hospital, Montevideo, Uruguay

Methods:

Chart review of a patient who presented to the eye clinic after referral from a collegue for recurrent bilateral keratoconjunctivitis despite multiple courses of treatment.

Results:

The patient presented with bilateral blepharoconjunctivitis, superficial punctate keratitis, subepithelial scarring of the inferior cornea, stroma vascularization and a 20/30 best corrected visual acuity  The diagnosis of pediatric ocular rosacea was made clinically. The symptoms and findings improved after treatment with daily warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, preservative-free artificial tears, topical cyclosporine A and systemic azithromycin.

Conclusions:

Ocular rosacea is an under and misdiagnosed condition. Pediatric ocular rosacea represents even a most challenging diagnostic. Rosacea is rarely seen in children and usually does not demonstrate the cutaneous changes seen in adults. A high index of suspicion, awareness of the myriad signs and a detailed lid and ocular surface examination can reduce the number of children with ocular rosacea who frequently remain undiagnosed. This case highlights the need for early ophthalmic referral and management in order to provide appropriate treatment and prevent long term sequelae.

Financial Disclosure:

None