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[Dry eye syndrome and neurotrophic keratitis in childhood. Causes and therapy]
T Dietrich1, A B Renner, H Helbig
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland. tinadie@gmx.net
Insights
Pediatric dry eye syndrome and neurotrophic keratitis are uncommon but require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious eye complications and vision loss in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
Context:
- Dry eye syndrome and neurotrophic keratitis are less common in children than adults.
- Ocular surface diseases in pediatric patients can be challenging to diagnose.
- Reduced cooperation during examinations can complicate pediatric eye assessments.
Purpose:
- To increase physician awareness of pediatric dry eye syndrome and neurotrophic keratitis.
- To outline associated conditions and diagnostic approaches.
- To discuss available therapeutic strategies for these pediatric eye conditions.
Summary:
- This review covers the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of dry eye syndrome and neurotrophic keratitis in children.
- It highlights the importance of early diagnosis to prevent complications like corneal ulcers and amblyopia.
- Clinical cases and therapeutic strategies are discussed.
Impact:
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term visual impairment in children.
- Enhanced physician awareness can lead to timely intervention for pediatric ocular surface diseases.
- This review provides valuable insights for managing uncommon but serious eye conditions in pediatric patients.
Purpose:
The purpose of this review is to enhance the physician's awareness of dry eye syndrome and neurotrophic keratitis in children, to describe the most frequently associated conditions and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic options available.
Methods:
A literature review of the pathogenesis of dry eye syndrome and neurotrophic keratitis in children was carried out, clinical cases from our pediatric ophthalmology office are presented as well as therapeutic strategies.
Results:
Diseases of the cornea and ocular surface such as dry eye syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis and corneal ulcers are infrequent in children compared to adults. However, they do occur and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible in order to prevent long-term complications and amblyopia.
Conclusions:
Inflammatory diseases of the ocular surface can be easily overlooked in children due to the often unknown spectrum of differential diagnoses and the frequently reduced cooperation during examination of young children. Correct and early diagnosis is essential for prevention of long-term complications, e.g. corneal ulceration and scarring.
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