Eye in the skin- A review article

Abstract

1. Introduction There is a common embryogenic origin for skin, mucous membranes & corneal epithelium, deriving from surface epithelium. The position between the surface of eye and the eyelids results in “innocent bystander” ocular damage affecting the skin of the eyelids till the eyelid margin. Cicatricial pemphigoid, xeroderma pigmentosum Vogt- Koyanagi-Harada syndrome & eczema, may result in an autoimmune attack of both conjunctiva & skin. Ocular pathologies associated with skin diseases may involve any part of the eye or its adnexae. Skin diseases which involve the eye can be grouped as (Table 1) 2. Bullous Vesicular Disorders 2.1. Pemphigus Lids, conjunctiva, cornea, lens & iris are involved rarely.1 Cnjunctival bullae & catarrhal or purulent conjunctivitis are seen mostly involving the palpebral conjunctiva2 with * Corresponding author. E-mail address: drchaitramc@gmail.com (Chaitra M C). edema, purulent discharge, & erythema.1,3 In P. foliaceus entropion, trichiasis of both lids leading to corneal damage & in 5% of cases. In few red, nodular iris lesions may be seen. 2.2. Cicatricial pemphigoid Unilateral as chronic, recurrent catarrhal conjunctivitis, but later becomes bilateral. Stage 1 – Subepithelial fibrosis Stage 2 - fornix foreshortening Stage 3 - symblepharon-hallmark Stage 4 – ankyloblepharon & surface keratinization. Obstruction of lacrimal ductules & mebomian gland ducts leading to unstable tear film. Trichiasis, entropion due to subepithelial fibrosis with corneal neovascularization, keratopathy & corneal ulceration & scarring.4 2.3. Bullous pemphigoid Fine striae of tarsal subepithelial fibrosis.