Case Series: Bilateral Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments in Atopic Dermatitis

Bilateral occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is a potentially blinding condition seen most commonly in patients with atopic dermatitis. Poor control of the skin condition may lead to simultaneous or sequential retinal detachment and even development of complications such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

The purpose of this study was to highlight the importance of the dermatologist's role in aggressive treatment of atopic dermatitis to prevent this potentially blinding condition.

A retrospective review of three patients with poorly controlled atopic dermatitis at the Singapore National Eye Centre with bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was conducted. Two patients presented with sequential rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, and one patient had simultaneous bilateral retinal detachments. At presentation, all three were experiencing atopic dermatitis flares and were either on low-dose oral or topical steroids only. Post-retinal detachment surgery, all eyes except one achieved good visual acuity. The patients were referred to a dermatologist and treated with therapeutic doses of systemic steroids and immunomodulators for their dermatitis flare.

This case series draws attention to the importance of the eye care provider's comanagement of such patients with atopic dermatitis. Aggressive control of facial atopic dermatitis with consideration of immunomodulators or short-term systemic steroids during flares to control facial eczema and eye rubbing may reduce this potentially blinding ocular complication.