Posters

Management of advanced ocular surface disease in patients with severe atopic keratoconjunctivitis

Poster Details

First Author: G.Kaya TURKEY

Co Author(s):                        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Severe ocular surface disease, including limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can occur as a consequence of severe atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) that has been inadequately treated. Our goal was to describe the management and outcomes of severe ocular surface disease in AKC patients.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Kagıthane State Hospital.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of a case series of 15 eyes of 10 patients with advanced ocular surface disease associated with severe AKC. The clinical presentation, medical and surgical management, and visual and anatomic outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

Seven eyes had a decline in mean visual acuity from LogMAR 0.94 to 1.98 between the initial and final visits related to recurrent epithelial defects or corneal ulceration. Eight eyes were treated with surgical approaches in addition to medical treatment. Initial surgical treatments included limbal stem cell transplantation (n = 7), and superficial keratectomy (n = 3).. In the remainder of the surgically treated eyes, there was an improvement visual acuity from LogMAR 1.45 to 0.7 between the pre-operative and final post-operative visit.

Conclusions:

Visual rehabilitation in eyes severe ocular surface disease due to prolonged AKC is challenging. While some patients did experience improved vision, most eyes did not improve or experienced severe complications with vision loss. Early intervention with immunomodulatory therapy may prevent progression of the disease to advanced stages.

Financial Disclosure:

None