ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the ocular manifestations of atopic dermatitis (AD), eczematous dermatitis of the eyelids, and corticosteroid-induced glaucoma and cataract. Eye disorders associated with AD include eyelid dermatitis, loss of eyelash or eyelid hair, tear abnormalities, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconus, cataract, retinal detachment, and uveitis. Patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis have impaired barrier function and corneal integrity, and the condition is associated with increased susceptibility to microbial infection. In a review of 125 keratoconus patients, 16% reported asthma and/or AD. A report analyzing 417 eyes of 348 Japanese patients with AD and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment concluded that self-induced trauma to the eyes was the most important causative factor, not AD itself. Patients with facial dermatitis, especially those with eyelid eczema and blepharitis, frequently rub, scratch, or slap their eyes. There have been several case reports describing glaucoma in patients using topical corticosteroids around the eyes for various dermatological conditions.
