Ophthalmic manifestations of atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition of complex etiology, whose clinical course involves remission and recurrence. It is not an isolated disease entity affecting only the skin, but one that co-occurs with disorders of other organs. Numerous literature reports have long confirmed the relationship between the disorder and a growing number of ophthalmic manifestations such as keratoconus and retinal detachment. Further studies are required to establish the cause of correlations and to allow for implementation of appropriate prophylaxis and treatment. The aim of the present paper is to review published literature regarding the correlation between atopic dermatitis and ophthalmic manifestations in adults and children.

Visual outcomes after management of bilateral cataract and retinal detachment in atopic dermatitis

“…This is supported by the frequent involvement of the temporal retina in atopic RD and is thought to be due to the directional forces applied during eye rubbing. Our cohort of patients also demonstrated the characteristic features of AD-associated RRD, which has a predilection for temporal retinal quadrant involvement and high concurrent rates of GRT [19,21,22], proliferative vitreoretinopathy [19,21,22], and bilateral cataract [2,22]. However, Choi et al [11] found a consistent and robust association between RRD and AD even after excluding cataract surgery from the analysis.…”

“…AD-related cataract and RRD have been reported in the literature, but their etiology and mechanism remain unspecified. There are many theories regarding the underlying cause of RRD and cataract in AD, but self-inflicted mechanical trauma through repetitive eye rubbing or slapping has gained popularity in recent years [2,12,19,20]. This is supported by the frequent involvement of the temporal retina in atopic RD and is thought to be due to the directional forces applied during eye rubbing.…”

“…Patients with AD are at a high risk for cataract formation. Cataract in patients with AD can be anterior or posterior subcapsular [2,23]. Posterior subcapsular cataract is the most common type and is thought to be a side effect of long-term topical or systemic corticosteroid treatment for AD [23,24].…”

“…AD is associated with a wide spectrum of ocular manifestations, including keratoconjunctivitis, keratoconus, cataract, and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) [2]. These ocular conditions have a significant long-term impact on the visual function and quality of life of patients with AD because many of these patients are adolescents or young adults [1,3,4].…”

“…These ocular conditions have a significant long-term impact on the visual function and quality of life of patients with AD because many of these patients are adolescents or young adults [1,3,4]. Andogsky first reported an association between AD and cataract (Andogsky syndrome) in 1914 [2]. The incidence of cataract in patients with AD is reported to be approximately 5-38% [6].…”