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Keratopathy after ultraviolet B phototherapy

Peter Komericki1, Peter Fellner, Yosuf El-Shabrawi

  • 1Department of Environmental Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.

Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|June 2, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Phototherapy with ultraviolet B (UVB) effectively treats atopic dermatitis in children. However, inadequate eye protection during facial UVB treatment can lead to severe keratitis and potential long-term eye damage.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition in children, affecting up to 20% in industrialized nations.
  • Phototherapy utilizing ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a recognized treatment for AD, generally associated with a low incidence of complications.

Observation:

  • A case study involving a patient with atopic dermatitis undergoing UVB treatment to the face, including the eyelids, is presented.
  • The patient developed severe keratitis and facial erythema, with symptoms resolving under topical steroid therapy.

Findings:

  • UVB phototherapy, while effective for atopic dermatitis, carries risks of ocular complications if protective measures are not strictly adhered to.
  • Inadequate closure of the eyes during facial UVB treatment can result in acute keratitis.

Implications:

  • Patients receiving UVB phototherapy for facial atopic dermatitis must be counselled on potential ocular side effects, particularly keratitis.
  • The use of specialized protective eye shields during UVB treatment is recommended to prevent corneal damage and mitigate the risk of early cataract formation.

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