Inflammatory Eye Disease - Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid
Pemphigoid is a chronic scarring disease of the conjunctiva (the clear skin that covers the eye). It may be caused by drugs or eye drops but in most patients it is caused by overactivity of the immune system damaging the tissue under the conjunctiva. There is no known cause for this immune overactivity. The disease causes progressive scarring of the white of the eye and can, in some cases, lead to the eye lashes growing into the eye, to dry eyes, to glaucoma and sometimes to long term visual loss. This picture shows severe scarring from ocular pemphigoid.
How is it treated?
Pemphigoid itself is treated with tablets to dampen the immune overactivity; commonly a tablet called Dapsone (or Salazopyrin) is used. Dapsone is usually easy to take but it may be complicated by anaemia (lowered blood count) or nausea. If dapsone is not strong enough then other stronger tablets may be required to control the disease. These other tablets may also have side effects and problems associated with these tablets will be discussed with you if they are needed. All the other treatment given is aimed at the complications of the pemphigoid. This may include frequent drops for dry eyes, drops for glaucoma, surgery or other therapy for ingrown eyelashes or even in advanced cases surgery to replace the cornea.
What is the long-term outlook?
There is no cure for pemphigoid but with proper long-term treatment and careful follow up it is usually possible to control the inflammation and the vision threatening side effects. If you have any questions please ask your eye doctor or the staff at the office.
