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Evaluation and treatment of children with ocular rosacea
Kendall E Donaldson1, Carol L Karp, Mark T Dunbar
1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Insights
Early recognition and treatment of ocular rosacea in children can prevent corneal scarring. Antibiotics and topical steroids improved symptoms in most pediatric patients, with sustained remission observed.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Dermatology
Background:
- Ocular rosacea is an underdiagnosed condition in children.
- It can lead to significant corneal pathology if left untreated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical presentation of ocular rosacea in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes for ocular rosacea in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 20 pediatric patients (22 months–17 years).
- Patients presented with corneal pathology, lid margin disease, and skin changes.
- Evaluations conducted at a tertiary-care ophthalmology facility.
Main Results:
- Sixty percent of patients showed improvement with systemic erythromycin or doxycycline and topical steroids.
- Remission was maintained for up to 4 years after treatment.
- Long-term follow-up averaged 19.6 months.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of pediatric ocular rosacea are crucial.
- Intervention can limit the progression of corneal damage, such as scarring and vascularization.
Purpose:
To describe the clinical presentation and treatment of ocular rosacea in children, an often unrecognized entity.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review of 20 patients (age, 22 months to 17 years) who presented during childhood with corneal pathology, lid margin disease, and skin changes consistent with ocular rosacea. All patients were evaluated by the Cornea/External Disease Division of a tertiary-care facility, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL, between 1990 and 2003.
Results:
Sixty percent of patients improved after treatment with systemic erythromycin or doxycycline and topical low-dose steroid preparations. Ten percent of patients experienced no change in symptoms with treatment, and 30% of patients had incomplete follow-up to determine success of treatment. The patients maintained remission for up to 4 years after a slow taper of systemic treatment. The mean length of follow-up was 19.6 months (range, 0-9 years).
Conclusions:
Early recognition and treatment of ocular rosacea in children may improve patient outcome by limiting progression of corneal pathology, including scarring and vascularization.
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