Symblepharon as Ocular Manifestation Post Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Rare Case

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening condition resulting from a severe reaction to the use of certain drugs, with the highest incidence found in children. It manifests as a triad of skin, orifice, and ocular mucosa lesions. Ocular manifestations most commonly involve the conjunctiva and eyelids. This case report further discusses symblepharon as an ocular manifestation of SJS.

A case report.

A 10-year-old boy came with decreased vision and an inability to produce tears. On examination, pseudomembranous conjunctivitis was found in both eyes, granulation tissue in the right eye, and erosion of the corneal epithelium in the left eye. The posterior segment could not be assessed due to symblepharon. It was known that the patient previously experienced SJS in early 2023. Symblepharectomy was carried out with the indication of separate adhesions caused by symblepharon.

Symblepharon is a rare, severe ocular manifestation of SJS (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Previous studies found that severe ocular occurred in around 4% and 11.1% of cases. This happened because of ongoing chronic inflammation due to SJS. Symblepharon is an adhesion of eyelids and bulbar conjunctiva, which can harm the eye because it can cause cicatricial then disruption of the tear film meniscus, limit eye mobility, and cause visual disturbances.

Symblepharon occurs due to prolonged inflammation, which can structurally and functionally disrupt the eye. Early discovery of symblepharon, especially in severe manifestations of SJS, can help prevent further damage to the eye.