Corneal ulcers associated with Goldenhar syndrome

Two patients with Goldenhar syndrome developed corneal ulcers. Previous acid burn of the cornea and prolonged topical corticosteroid administration occurred in Patient 1. Predisposing ocular anomalies in patients with Goldenhar syndrome include corneal hypesthesia; keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and exposure secondary to eyelid colobomas, lacrimal gland and duct anomalies, dermoids and lipodermoids, and neurologic deficits. Serious ocular morbidity may be prevented by searching for and adequately treating these predisposing factors. It is possible that embryonic events contribute to ocular complications in Goldenhar syndrome, in part, by causing hypoplasia or abnormal function of the trigeminal and facial nerves.