Cataract progression in patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Patients with facial atopic dermatitis, contact lenses, or both may rub their eyes more frequently than those with lesions on other body parts, increasing their risk of cataract progression.

A study to explore the risk factors for the early onset of cataract in India

“…23 In another study, authors reported that 10-25% of patients with atopic dermatitis had early onset of cataract that often occurred during exacerbations of the disease. 29 In another study, 25% of patients with atopic dermatitis had cataract, with PSC cataract being the most common type (50%) followed by anterior subcapsular cataract (25%) and total opacities (12.5%). 30,31 These authors also noted rapid progression of cataract during periods when the skin disease was active.…”

“…30,31 These authors also noted rapid progression of cataract during periods when the skin disease was active. 29,30 A breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier and frequent eye rubbing may also be contributory factors. 32,33 A literature review of population-based studies on risk factors for cataract has failed to reveal atopy as a risk factor for the development of cataract even in young and age-related cataract.…”

Topical corticosteroids in atopic dermatitis and the risk of glaucoma and cataracts

“…24 AD is associated with AS cataracts, but differentiating AD-associated cataracts from corticosteroidinduced cataracts may be difficult, because PS cataracts or a combination of both types have also been described as associated with AD. [25][26][27] Furthermore, it may be difficult to differentiate early lens opacities in the posterior lenticular pole as steroid-induced or other types. 28 It is not known by which route topical corticosteroids induce glaucoma or cataract.…”

Corneal Abnormalities in the NC/Nga Mouse

“…[1][2][3] The ocular complications of AD include cataract, retinal detachment, and corneal changes such as keratoconus. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of atopic cataract and retinal detachment.…”

“…It is thought that patients with facial atopic dermatitis habitually rub or scratch their eyes because of severe itching and that this is a crucial factor contributing to the pathogenesis of cataract and retinal detachment. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] However, the etiology of corneal complications in AD, including keratoconus, has not yet been clarified. A major reason may be that there is no appropriate animal model of AD-related corneal complications.…”