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Visual outcome and corneal changes in children with chronic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis
Sophie M Jones1, Joel M Weinstein, Phillippa Cumberland
1Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom.
Ophthalmology
|December 7, 2007
Summary
Chronic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC) can cause significant vision loss in children, especially with delayed treatment. Early intervention with topical and systemic therapies, including flaxseed oil, improves visual outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
Background:
- Chronic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC) is an inflammatory eye condition affecting children.
- BKC can lead to significant corneal involvement and visual impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes, management strategies, and visual outcomes of BKC in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the impact of delayed treatment on visual function.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 27 children diagnosed with BKC.
- Data collected included presenting visual acuity, refractive error, and corneal/eyelid pathology.
- Treatment involved lid hygiene, topical/systemic antibiotics, steroids, and amblyopia therapy; flaxseed oil was used as an alternative to long-term antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Most patients presented with discomfort, conjunctival injection, and posterior blepharitis; 81% had corneal involvement.
- Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 70% of affected eyes after treatment (median logMAR from 0.28 to 0.02).
- Delayed treatment (2-year lag) was associated with reduced final BCVA; 48% of patients had amblyopia.
Conclusions:
- Significant visual loss can occur in pediatric BKC, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and management.
- Comprehensive treatment including topical and systemic therapies is crucial.
- Flaxseed oil shows promise as an anti-inflammatory alternative to prolonged antibiotic use.
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