Clinical Characteristics And Treatment Outcomes Of Pediatric Ocular Rosacea Patients

To determine clinical characteristics, disease course, and therapeutic outcomes for pediatric patients with ocular rosacea.

Marmara University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology

The medical records of pediatric ocular acne rosacea patients were reviewed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error were recorded.  Meibography and noninvasive tear breakup time (NTBUT) measurement were performed.  All patients were treated with same treatment protocol. For maintenance treatment, topical 0.05% cyclosporine drops were applied and eyelash hygiene (TTO) with warm compresses was recommended.

There were 21 patients with a mean age of 8.0±3 (3–16) years. The mean follow-up time was 21.2±12.1 months. Five patients had skin involvement. The mean delay in diagnosis was 17.4±10.0 months. A mean recurrence time of 5.0±2.7 months was observed in four patients. Five patients had BCVA of 10/10 in their both eyes at diagnosis. Among the other patients, the BCVA of eyes with poorer vision improved from baseline (0.45±0.36 logMAR) to the last visit (0.07±0.13 logMAR)(p=0.001). The cylindrical value of the eye with poorer vision decreased at last visit (-1.31±1.22) compared to baseline (-2.21±1.33)(p=0.002). The meibomian gland loss rates in the upper and lower eyelid were 32.72±23.91 and 39.13±18.83. Mean NI-TBUT value was 8.87±4.85 sec.  

Children who have a history of ocular irritation, meibomian gland disease, and chalazia should raise concerns with their ophthalmologist to avoid delayed diagnosis, as ocular surface inflammation can potentially be sight-threatening. Nevertheless, with appropriate, long-term treatment and careful monitoring for recurrence, it can be effectively managed.