Patient barriers and facilitators for making environmental and behavioral modifications for dry eye in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Managing dry eye disease (DED) is expensive. Often, prescribed treatments improve clinical signs but not patient-reported symptoms. In large surveys, clinicians and patients ranked environmental and behavioral modifications among the most important DED-related research priorities. Our purpose was to investigate the barriers to and facilitators of use of these modifications by patients with DED in the United States and how their use may be impacted by socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: Using Qualtrics, we conducted an anonymous online survey of adults with DED living in the United States in August to September 2022. Patients were identified through the Dry Eye Foundation, Sjögren's Foundation, and a DED clinic in Colorado. We used an established index for classifying respondent SES based on education, household income, and employment. Outcomes included use of environmental and behavioral modifications and barriers to and facilitators of their use. RESULTS: We included 754 respondents (SES: 382 low, 275 high, and 97 unclear). Most were aged 18 to 49 years (67%), female (68%), and White (76%) and reported dealing with DED for ≤5 years (67%). The most frequent modifications were taking breaks to rest eyes (68%), increasing water intake (68%), and using hot/cold compresses (52%). For these three, the biggest facilitators were as follows: belief that the modification works (27 to 37%), being recommended it (24 to 26%), and ease of use/performance (21 to 32%). Across modifications, the biggest barriers were difficulty of use (55%), lack of family/employer/social/community support (33%), and lack of awareness (32%). The data do not suggest discernible patterns of differences in barriers or facilitators by SES. CONCLUSIONS: Greater emphasis should be placed on explaining to patients how environmental and behavioral modifications might mitigate DED. Employers and members of patients' support systems should be guided regarding how best to support patients in managing DED symptoms.

Prevalence of dry eye and Meibomian gland dysfunction in Central and South America: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dry eye is one of the most common ophthalmic conditions and can significantly impact quality of life. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a major cause of evaporative dry eye. We sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence and incidence of dry eye and MGD in Central and South America and to identify factors associated with disease burden. METHODS: Data sources Ovid MEDLINE and Embase. STUDY SELECTION: A search conducted on August 16, 2021, identified studies published between January 1, 2010, and August 16, 2021, with no restrictions regarding participant age or language of publication. Case reports, case series, case-control studies, and interventional studies were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: The review was based on a protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021256934). Risk of bias was assessed in duplicate using a risk of bias tool designed for the purposes of descriptive epidemiological studies. Data were extracted by one investigator and verified by another for accuracy. Prevalence of dry eye and MGD were grouped based on study participant characteristics. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Prevalence and incidence of dry eye and MGD in Central and South America. Summary estimates from meta-analysis with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Fourteen studies (11,594 total participants) were included. The population prevalence of dry eye was 13% (95% CI, 12%-14%) in Brazil and 41% (95% CI, 39%-44%) in Mexico based on one study each. Meta-analyses suggested that dry eye prevalence was 70% among indoor workers (95% CI, 56%-80%; I2, 82%; 3 studies), 71% among students (95% CI, 65%-77%; I2, 92%; 3 studies), and 83% in general ophthalmology clinics (95% CI, 77%-88%; I2, 88%; 2 studies). MGD prevalence ranged from 23% among indoor workers (95% CI, 16%-31%; 1 study) to 68% in general ophthalmology clinics (95% CI, 62%-72%; 1 study). No studies reported incidence of dry eye or MGD. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated considerable variation in the published prevalence of dry eye and MGD among the general population and subpopulations in Central and South America. Local and subpopulation estimates of dry eye disease burden may be valuable to assist needs assessments and implementation of measures to mitigate the condition.

Prolonged facemask wearing among hospital workers and dry eye - a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged facemask wearing may have negatively affected essential workers with dry eye. We conducted a mixed-methods study to examine and understand the associations of the ocular surface, periocular environment, and dry eye-related symptoms among hospital workers across the job spectrum with prolonged facemask use. METHODS: We recruited clinical and non-clinical hospital workers with self-reported symptoms of dry eye and prolonged facemask use. We measured symptoms using the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Objective ocular signs included corneal and conjunctival staining, fluorescein tear break up time (TBUT), meibography, tear film interferometry, and periocular humidity. We compared symptoms and signs across levels of periocular humidity, dry eye severity, facemask type, and job type. Participants with moderate or severe dry eye symptoms (OSDI > = 23) were invited for a semi-structured, one-on-one interview. RESULTS: We enrolled 20 clinical and 21 non-clinical hospital workers: 27% were 40 years or older, 76% were female, 29% reported a race other than White, and 20% were Hispanic. Seventeen individuals participated in the semi-structured interviews. From the quantitative analyses, we found that 90% of participants reported worsened severity of dry eye at work due to facemasks. Although wearing facemasks resulted in higher periocular humidity levels compared with not wearing facemasks, 66% participants reported increased airflow over their eyes. Findings from the qualitative interviews supported the finding that use of facemasks worsened dry eye symptoms, especially when facemasks were not fitted around the nose. The data did not suggest that non-clinical hospital workers experienced a greater impact of dry eye than clinical workers. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers and patients with dry eye should be educated about the discomfort and the ocular surface health risks associated with inadequately fitted facemasks. Wearing a fitted facemask with a pliable nose wire appears to mitigate the upward airflow.

Prevalence and Incidence of Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Dry eye is a common clinical manifestation, a leading cause of eye clinic visits, and a significant societal and personal economic burden in the United States. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a major cause of evaporative dry eye. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to obtain updated estimates of the prevalence and incidence of dry eye and MGD in the United States. Data Sources: Ovid MEDLINE and Embase. Study Selection: A search conducted on August 16, 2021, identified studies published between January 1, 2010, and August 16, 2021, with no restrictions regarding participant age or language of publication. Case reports, case series, case-control studies, and interventional studies were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis: The conduct of review followed a protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021256934). PRISMA guidelines were followed for reporting. Joanna Briggs Institute and Newcastle Ottawa Scale tools were used to assess risk of bias. Data extraction was conducted by 1 reviewer and verified by another for accuracy. Prevalence of dry eye and MGD were combined in separate meta-analyses using random-effects models. Main Outcomes and Measures: Prevalence and incidence of dry eye and MGD in the United States. Summary estimates from meta-analysis of dry eye and MGD prevalence with 95% CI and 95% prediction intervals (95% PI). Results: Thirteen studies were included in the systematic review. Dry eye prevalence was reported by 10 studies, dry eye incidence by 2 studies, and MGD prevalence by 3 studies. Meta-analysis estimated a dry eye prevalence of 8.1% (95% CI, 4.9%-13.1%; 95% PI, 0%-98.9%; 3 studies; 9 808 758 participants) and MGD prevalence of 21.2% (95% CI, 7.2%-48.3%; 95% PI, 0%-100%; 3 studies; 19 648 participants). Dry eye incidence was 3.5% in a population 18 years and older and 7.8% in a population aged 68 years and older. No studies reported MGD incidence. Conclusions and Relevance: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated uncertainty about the prevalence and incidence of dry eye and MGD in the United States. Population-based epidemiological studies that use consistent and validated definitions of dry eye and MGD are needed for higher-certainty estimates of dry eye and MGD prevalence and incidence in the United States.

Dupilumab-associated cicatrizing ocular disease.

Purpose: To describe three cases of bilateral cicatrizing conjunctivitis associated with dupilumab treatment for atopic dermatitis. Observations: Case 1 is a 69 year-old male with a history of mild, stable cicatrizing conjunctivitis thought to be secondary to atopic dermatitis. His cicatrizing disease progressed significantly after starting dupilumab, and then stabilized after dupilumab was discontinued. Case 2 is a 72 year-old male who presented with bilateral cicatrizing conjunctivitis. His symptoms of ocular erythema and irritation started shortly after initiating dupilumab for atopic dermatitis. The dupilumab was discontinued and the patient's symptoms resolved and ocular surface scarring stabilized. Case 3 is a 47 year-old male with a history of allergic conjunctivitis who was found to have new onset unilateral symblepharon approximately 12 months after starting dupilumab for atopic dermatitis. The dupilumab was discontinued and his ocular disease stabilized. However, his cutaneous symptoms worsened significantly, so dupilumab was restarted at half the previous dose. His atopic dermatitis symptoms improved and cicatrizing conjunctivitis remained stable on this regimen. Conclusions and importance: Cicatrizing conjunctivitis with symblepharon formation distinct from ocular cicactricial pemphigoid is a potential side effect of dupilumab therapy for atopic dermatitis. Progression of the cicatrization appears to halt with discontinuation, or potentially dose reduction, of dupilumab.

Prevalence and incidence of dry eye in the USA: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Dry eye is a multifactorial chronic condition characterised by tear film insufficiency and instability, and ocular symptoms including foreign body sensation, itching, irritation, soreness and visual disturbance. The prevalence and incidence of dry eye are major determinants of the magnitude of economic and societal costs of the disease. This protocol proposes a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and incidence of dry eye in the USA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Working with an information specialist, we will develop search strategies for Ovid Medline and Embase for population-based cross-sectional and cohort studies involving US-based populations that report the prevalence and/or incidence of dry eye. We will include studies involving persons of all ages from 1 January 2010 to the current date with no language restrictions. We will also hand-search references of included studies, dry eye epidemiology-related systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines and literature provided by agencies and organisations. Two investigators will independently screen the titles and abstracts, and then full-text reports to determine eligibility. One investigator will extract study data and perform risk of bias assessments using tools designed specifically for prevalence and incidence studies. A second investigator will verify all extracted study data and risk of bias assessments. We will assess heterogeneity, qualitatively and quantitatively. When appropriate, we will meta-analyse prevalence and incidence estimates. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review does not require approval by an ethics committee because it will use published studies. We will publish our results in a peer-reviewed journal and present at relevant conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021256934.

USA: Ophthalmologic Evaluation and Management of Acute Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can cause significant damage to the ocular surface and eyelids. The sloughing and inflammation of the ocular mucosal epithelium during the acute phase may lead to scarring sequelae of the eyelids and ocular surface, resulting in pain and vision loss. Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) to the eyes and eyelids during the initial 1-2 weeks of the disease can decrease the chronic sequelae. The main development in the ophthalmologic treatment of SJS/TEN in the USA over the last 15 years has been the use of AMT on the ocular surface and eyelids during the acute phase. The evolution of AMT techniques, refinement of the evaluation of the eyes in acute SJS, and the efforts to increase the use of AMT in the USA are discussed.

Maternal Serum Eye Drops in the Management of Pediatric Persistent Corneal Epithelial Defects: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: We report our experience with the use of maternally derived serum eye drops as adjunctive treatment in the management of pediatric persistent corneal epithelial defects. METHODS: Five eyes of 4 patients were identified in a retrospective review of pediatric patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects who received maternal serum drops. Diagnoses associated with the defects comprised pontine tegmental cap dysplasia with bilateral cranial nerve V1, V2, V3, and VII palsies; pontine tegmental cap dysplasia with left cranial nerve V1, VII, and VIII palsies; traumatic left cranial nerve II, V1, V2, and VI palsies due to a basilar skull fracture; and Stevens-Johnson syndrome with ocular involvement. We evaluated the feasibility of using maternally derived serum drops; thus, we looked at the ability to prepare and tolerate the drops as well as any complications that could have been associated with treatment. Other data collected included visual acuity, corneal examination, and current and previous treatments. RESULTS: Both the duration of therapy and time of follow-up ranged from 5 to 28 months. All patients experienced improvement or resolution of their corneal epithelial defects within 3 weeks of initiating serum eye drops. Furthermore, there were no adverse effects from the use of allogeneic serum drops. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal serum eye drops are a well-tolerated and potentially beneficial addition to the management of pediatric persistent corneal epithelial defects.

Amniotic membrane transplants in the pediatric population.

PURPOSE: To investigate the indications for and results of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for the treatment of ocular disease in pediatric patients at a single institution. METHODS: The medical records of patients <18 years of age who underwent AMT for ocular disease between January 1, 2003, and September 1, 2015, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were determined to have reached a clinical endpoint if there was resolution of the ocular condition being treated after AMT placement, no additional surgery required for treatment of the ocular condition, and no active disease at most recent follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 48 records were reviewed. Of these, 32 patients (67%) received AMT for treatment of ocular disease related to Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), 29 (94%) of whom reached the clinical endpoint. The remaining 16 patients (33%) underwent AMT for indications other than SJS, including difficult-to-treat corneal epithelial defects and ulcers, conjunctival reconstruction, and scarring after strabismus surgery. Of these, 80% reached the clinical endpoint. There were no adverse effects related to AMT in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, AMT was used successfully and without complications.

Effect of human milk as a treatment for dry eye syndrome in a mouse model.

PURPOSE: Dry eye syndrome (DES) affects millions of people worldwide. Homeopathic remedies to treat a wide variety of ocular diseases have previously been documented in the literature, but little systematic work has been performed to validate the remedies' efficacy using accepted laboratory models of disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of human milk and nopal cactus (prickly pear), two widely used homeopathic remedies, as agents to reduce pathological markers of DES. METHODS: The previously described benzalkonium chloride (BAK) dry eye mouse model was used to study the efficacy of human milk and nopal cactus (prickly pear). BAK (0.2%) was applied to the mouse ocular surface twice daily to induce dry eye pathology. Fluorescein staining was used to verify that the animals had characteristic signs of DES. After induction of DES, the animals were treated with human milk (whole and fat-reduced), nopal, nopal extract derivatives, or cyclosporine four times daily for 7 days. Punctate staining and preservation of corneal epithelial thickness, measured histologically at the end of treatment, were used as indices of therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS: Treatment with BAK reduced the mean corneal epithelial thickness from 36.77±0.64 µm in the control mice to 21.29±3.2 µm. Reduction in corneal epithelial thickness was largely prevented by administration of whole milk (33.2±2.5 µm) or fat-reduced milk (36.1±1.58 µm), outcomes that were similar to treatment with cyclosporine (38.52±2.47 µm), a standard in current dry eye therapy. In contrast, crude or filtered nopal extracts were ineffective at preventing BAK-induced loss of corneal epithelial thickness (24.76±1.78 µm and 27.99±2.75 µm, respectively), as were solvents used in the extraction of nopal materials (26.53±1.46 µm for ethyl acetate, 21.59±5.87 µm for methanol). Epithelial damage, as reflected in the punctate scores, decreased over 4 days of treatment with whole and fat-reduced milk but continued to increase in eyes treated with nopal-derived materials. CONCLUSIONS: Whole and fat-reduced human milk showed promising effects in the prevention of BAK-induced loss of corneal epithelial thickness and epithelial damage in this mouse model. Further studies are required to determine whether human milk may be safely used to treat dry eye in patients.

New Grading System and Treatment Guidelines for the Acute Ocular Manifestations of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe a new grading system and associated treatment guidelines for the acute ocular manifestations of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). DESIGN: Prospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-nine consecutive patients (158 eyes) evaluated and treated for acute ocular involvement in SJS or TEN during hospitalization. METHODS: Photographic and chart review of acute ocular findings, interventions received, and outcomes with regard to visual acuity, dry eye symptoms, and scarring sequelae at least 3 months after the acute illness. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, dry eye severity, and scarring of the ocular surface and eyelids were assessed after follow-up of at least 3 months. RESULTS: Cases graded as mild or moderate were managed medically. All had best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20, no dry eye symptoms, and no scarring sequelae. Cases graded as severe or extremely severe were treated with urgent amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in addition to medical management. Severe cases all had BCVA of 20/20 and mild or no dry eye problems. Five of 28 patients had mild tarsal conjunctival scarring. No other scarring sequelae occurred. Nine of the 10 extremely severe cases had BCVA of 20/20 (1 was 20/30). Three of 10 had moderate scarring of the tarsal conjunctiva and lid margins and also moderate dry eyes with severe photophobia. Seven of 10 had only mild or no dry eye symptoms and scarring sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: This grading system facilitates decision making in the evaluation and management of the acute ocular manifestations of SJS and TEN. Mild and moderate cases have a low risk of significant scarring or visual sequelae and may be monitored and treated medically if not worsening. Severe and extremely severe cases should receive urgent AMT to decrease the risk of scarring and visual sequelae.

Corneoscleral Laceration and Ocular Burns Caused by Electronic Cigarette Explosions.

PURPOSE: To report cases of acute globe rupture and bilateral corneal burns from electronic cigarette (EC) explosions. METHODS: Case series. RESULTS: We describe a series of patients with corneal injury caused by EC explosions. Both patients suffered bilateral corneal burns and decreased visual acuity, and one patient sustained a unilateral corneoscleral laceration with prolapsed iris tissue and hyphema. A review of the scientific literature revealed no prior reported cases of ocular injury secondary to EC explosions; however, multiple media and government agency articles describe fires and explosions involving ECs, including at least 4 with ocular injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Given these cases and the number of recent media reports, ECs pose a significant public health risk. Users should be warned regarding the possibility of severe injury, including sight-threatening ocular injuries ranging from corneal burns to full-thickness corneoscleral laceration.

Acute and Chronic Ophthalmic Involvement in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis - A Comprehensive Review and Guide to Therapy. II. Ophthalmic Disease.

Our purpose is to comprehensively review the state of the art with regard to Stevens- Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), with particular attention to improving the management of associated ocular surface complications. SJS and TEN are two ends of a spectrum of immune-mediated disease, characterized in the acute phase by a febrile illness followed by skin and mucous membrane necrosis and detachment. Part I of this review focused on the systemic aspects of SJS/TEN and was published in the January 2016 issue of this journal. The purpose of Part II is to summarize the ocular manifestations and their management through all phases of SJS/TEN, from acute to chronic. We hope this effort will assist ophthalmologists in their management of SJS/TEN, so that patients with this complex and debilitating disease receive the best possible care and experience the most optimal outcomes in their vision and quality of life.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis--A Comprehensive Review and Guide to Therapy. I. Systemic Disease.

The intent of this review is to comprehensively appraise the state of the art with regard to Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), with particular attention to the ocular surface complications and their management. SJS and TEN represent two ends of a spectrum of immune-mediated, dermatobullous disease, characterized in the acute phase by a febrile illness followed by skin and mucous membrane necrosis and detachment. The widespread keratinocyte death seen in SJS/TEN is rapid and irreversible, and even with early and aggressive intervention, morbidity is severe and mortality not uncommon. We have divided this review into two parts. Part I summarizes the epidemiology and immunopathogenesis of SJS/TEN and discusses systemic therapy and its possible benefits. We hope this review will help the ophthalmologist better understand the mechanisms of disease in SJS/TEN and enhance their care of patients with this complex and often debilitating disease. Part II (April 2016 issue) will focus on ophthalmic manifestations.

Combination topical therapy for conjunctival primary acquired melanosis with atypia and periocular lentigo maligna.

PURPOSE: To report the case of a patient who initially presented with primary acquired melanosis (PAM) without atypia of the conjunctiva and later developed lentigo maligna of the eyelids and PAM with atypia of the conjunctiva. We illustrate the utility of combination topical therapy with adjunctive cryotherapy to treat extensive eyelid and conjunctival lesions. METHODS: Case report with a review of the current literature. RESULTS: Combination of imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara, 3M Pharmaceuticals) and cryotherapy for periorbital lentigo maligna with topical interferon-α2b for conjunctival PAM with atypia led to clinical resolution of pigmented lesions for 21 months. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, combination topical therapy provides an effective alternative to surgery with superior cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Current ophthalmologic treatment strategies for acute and chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the newer, effective ophthalmologic treatments for acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) as well as the emerging treatment options for patients with chronic, severe ocular surface damage from the disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) applied to the eyes and eyelids in the acute phase of SJS can prevent the devastating scarring and visual problems that characterize the chronic phase of the disease. The severity of ocular inflammation in the acute phase does not always correlate to the severity of skin and systemic involvement. Thus, it is crucial that all patients with SJS be evaluated by an ophthalmologist familiar with the current management of the disease, the potential urgency of the situation and the option of AMT. Although challenging, the severe, chronic ocular problems of SJS can be at least partially alleviated with autologous serum drops, mucous membrane grafting to replace scarred tarsal conjunctiva, specialized contact lenses (PROSE), conjunctival replacement surgery (COMET), limbal stem cell transplantation and kerotoprostheses. SUMMARY: Early AMT is an effective treatment of acute SJS. Emerging treatments offer increased hope for those who have already suffered damage from SJS, but emphasis on the prevention of damage in the acute phase is most crucial.

Small-incision, sutureless repair of subconjunctival fat prolapse.

PURPOSE: To present a new, small-incision, sutureless surgical technique for the repair of subconjunctival fat prolapse. METHODS: This is a retrospective interventional case series. Four eyes of 3 patients who presented with prolapsed subconjunctival fat were surgically repaired using a small-incision, sutureless technique with fibrin glue. No prolapsed subconjunctival fat was excised. RESULTS: The surgical treatment of prolapsed subconjunctival fat using a small-incision, sutureless technique with fibrin glue was successful in all 4 eyes. There have been no cases of recurrence of the prolapsed subconjunctival fat with a mean follow up of 31 months. CONCLUSIONS: Small-incision, sutureless repositioning of subconjunctival fat using fibrin glue is an effective new surgical technique for the management of prolapsed subconjunctival fat.

Treatment of acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis using amniotic membrane: a review of 10 consecutive cases.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical course, treatments, and outcomes of 10 consecutive patients treated with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) applied to the eyelid margins, palpebral conjunctiva, and ocular surface during the acute phase of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). DESIGN: Prospective case series of 10 consecutive patients treated by 1 surgeon. PARTICIPANTS: Ten consecutive patients with severe ocular surface and eyelid inflammation treated with AMT during the acute phase of SJS or TEN. INTERVENTION: Cryopreserved amniotic membrane was applied to the eyelids and ocular surface of each patient during the first 10 days of illness. Repeat AMT was performed every 10-14 days as long as severe ocular surface inflammation and epithelial sloughing persisted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, dry eye severity, and scarring of the ocular surface and eyelids were assessed after a follow-up of ≥6 months. RESULTS: All patients had best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/30, with 9 of the 10 seeing 20/20. Dry eye severity was moderate or less in all patients. Overall ocular surface and eyelid scarring was mild to moderate in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: In acute SJS and TEN, AMT is an effective treatment for severe ocular surface and eyelid inflammation, greatly decreasing the risk of significant ocular and visual sequelae.

The ophthalmologist's role in the management of acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and its more severe variant, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), are relatively rare but have high mortality rates. Survivors are frequently afflicted with severe blinding ocular surface diseases. Recent literature in the areas of ophthalmology and dermatology illustrate that the ophthalmologist's role should no longer be considered secondary in the acute management of SJS/TEN. Accurately differentiating SJS or TEN from erythema multiforme majus (EMM) at the onset of the disease is important, because the management approach to these disease entities differs. Systemic cyclosporine and intravenous immunoglobulin have shown some potential as treatments for SJS/TEN, but their efficacies remain controversial. Amniotic membrane transplantation and intravenous corticosteroid pulse therapy at the acute stage have shown promise for preventing late sight-threatening cicatricial complications. An improved staging system for the ocular surface involvement of acute SJS/TEN, as well as better understanding of the underlying destructive pathogenic mechanism, should further improve our ability to predict ocular involvement and develop new therapeutics to abort destructive processes at the acute stage.

Amniotic membrane transplantation as a new therapy for the acute ocular manifestations of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and its more severe variant, toxic epidermal necrolysis, have relatively low overall incidence; however, this disease presents with high morbidity and mortality. The majority of patients develop ocular inflammation and ulceration at the acute stage. Due to the hidden nature of these ocular lesions and the concentration of effort toward life-threatening issues, current acute management has not devised a strategy to preclude blinding cicatricial complications. This review summarizes recent literature data, showing how sight-threatening corneal complications can progressively develop from cicatricial pathologies of lid margin, tarsus, and fornix at the chronic stage. It illustrates how such pathologies can be prevented with the early intervention of cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation to suppress inflammation and promote epithelial healing at the acute stage. Significant dry eye problems and photophobia can also be avoided with this intervention. This new therapeutic strategy can avert the catastrophic ophthalmic sequelae of this rare but devastating disease.