General Ophthalmology

PATIENT'S CORNER
Remember those commercials, "Do you have eczema, seborrhea or psoriasis?"
Atopic dermatitis is a very common skin conditions and has been related to early cataract formation. The authors looked at their Japanese patients who had this condition to determine if such a link exists and if so, what is the statistical connection. They found that they were related. People with facial skin lesions had a higher risk for cataract progression. Indeed, contact lens wear and frequent eye rubbing also increased this risk.

CLINICIAN'S CORNER
METHODS: 41 patients were examined by both ophthalmology and dermatology. Cataract status was documented during a complete exam. Definitive diagnosis and subsequent grading of severity of atopic dermatitis were performed by the dermatologists.
Exclusion criteria: patients with cataract and retinal detachment, keratoconus, ocular trauma, or the previous use of systemic steroids.

RESULTS: 81 eyes were included. Mean age was 23.5 years. Of the 41 patients, 10 (24.4%) showed progression. Most patients had bilateral, symmetrical progression.

CONCLUSION: There is a significant incidence of cataract formation and progression in patients with atopic dermatitis. Patients with this condition should be advised to not rub their eyes. The use of contact lenses was not felt to alone be a factor however it was considered to possibly increased the incidence of rubbing and periocular manipulation which may be a contributing factor.

Raymond Magauran, MD
Boston, MA