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Inflammatory Eye Disease
Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid
Pemphigoid is a chronic scarring disease of the conjunctiva (the
clear skin that covers the eye). It may be caused by drugs or eye
drops but in most patients it is caused by overactivity of the
immune system damaging the tissue under the conjunctiva.
There is no known cause for this immune overactivity. The
disease causes progressive scarring of the white of the eye and
can, in some cases, lead to the eye lashes growing into the eye,
to dry eyes, to glaucoma and sometimes to long term visual loss.
This picture shows severe scarring from ocular pemphigoid.
How is it treated? Pemphigoid itself is treated with tablets to dampen the immune
overactivity; commonly a tablet called Dapsone (or Salazopyrin) is used. Dapsone is usually
easy to take but it may be complicated by anaemia (lowered blood count) or nausea. If
dapsone is not strong enough then other stronger tablets may be required to control the
disease. These other tablets may also have side effects and
problems associated with these tablets will be discussed with you
if they are needed. All the other treatment given is aimed at the
complications of the pemphigoid. This may include frequent
drops for dry eyes, drops for glaucoma, surgery or other therapy
for ingrown eyelashes or even in advanced cases surgery to
replace the cornea.
What is the long-term outlook? There is no cure for
pemphigoid but with proper long-term treatment and careful follow up it is usually possible
to control the inflammation and the vision threatening side effects. If you have any
questions please ask your eye doctor or the staff at the office.
Consultation for Inflammatory Eye Diseases
Should you require a consultation for Inflammatory Eye Diseases, please call 1800 986 695
At Eye Surgery Associates we are able to offer you appointments at any one of our three
sites: East Melbourne, Malvern and Doncaster.
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