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Conjunctival pigmentation associated with tetracycline medication
Ophthalmology
|December 1, 1981
Summary
Long-term oral tetracycline use can cause dark conjunctival pigment deposits. These deposits, found in conjunctival cysts, contain calcium and exhibit tetracycline
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acne vulgaris is commonly treated with oral antibiotics like tetracycline and minocycline.
- Long-term antibiotic use can lead to various side effects, including pigmentary changes.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old male presented with bilateral dark brown to black pigmentary deposits in the palpebral conjunctiva.
- The deposits were noted after 12 years of oral tetracycline and minocycline treatment for acne vulgaris.
Findings:
- Histological examination revealed pigmented concretions within conjunctival cysts.
- These concretions contained calcium but showed characteristic yellow autofluorescence under ultraviolet light, indicative of tetracycline.
Implications:
- Tetracycline can form extracellular chelation complexes with calcium in the conjunctiva.
- This mechanism explains the observed pigmentation, a previously unrecognized side effect of long-term oral tetracycline therapy.