ESCRS - Ocular manifestations and systemic drugs ;
ESCRS - Ocular manifestations and systemic drugs ;

Ocular manifestations and systemic drugs

Systemic medications may directly impact the homeostasis of the cornea

Ocular manifestations and systemic drugs
Dermot McGrath
Dermot McGrath
Published: Wednesday, September 25, 2019
[caption id="attachment_16643" align="alignleft" width="1024"] Mohamed Elalfy[/caption] Corneal changes secondary to systemic medications may affect all layers of the cornea, so it is critical that patients receiving particular medications should be closely monitored to avoid long-term complications associated with ocular toxicity, according to Mohamed Elalfy MD, FRCopth. Speaking at the 10th EuCornea Congress, Dr Elalfy noted that systemic medications may reach the cornea via the tear film, aqueous humour and limbal vasculature and directly impact the homeostasis of the cornea. “Homeostasis maintains a healthy state of the cornea and ocular surface with constant adjustment of biochemical and physiological pathways. It allows the maintenance and regulation of the tissue stability needed to function properly,” he said. In dry eye disease (DED), for instance, the homeostasis of the tear film is disrupted leading to ocular surface inflammation and damage. Certain systemic drugs are known to potentially cause DED, said Dr Elalfy. “It is surprising to note that among the top 100 selling systemic drugs in the United States, 22 are known to cause dry eye. This is why a history of systemic medication is paramount in managing dry eye disease patients,” he said. Rigorous ophthalmic care is also required in acute and long-term management of Steven Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), advised Dr Elalfy.
Tags: ocular toxicity, systemic medications
Latest Articles
Getting a Clearer View of a High-Tech Future

Addressing the challenges to adopting new technologies in cataract and refractive surgery.

Read more...

ESCRS Wins Award for Website Excellence

Read more...

Learning From the Experience of Others

Business skills can help young ophthalmologists make better practice decisions.

Read more...

Research Awards Drive Quest for Better Patient Care

Read more...

IOL Match is a Surgeon’s Helping Hand

A free app for iOS and Android to enhance the patient care journey.

Read more...

Robot-guided Cataract Surgery

Researchers encouraged by technical performance in early testing.

Read more...

Sizing up for Successful Surgery

Challenges for sizing short eyes include IOL calculation and selection.

Read more...

Saving Sight on the Frontlines

Ukrainian ophthalmologists hone in on common injuries they see, techniques to provide the best care, and the challenges that remain.

Read more...

Keratoconus Screening in Children with Down Syndrome

Early screening leads to early intervention.

Read more...

Revolutionising Retinal Imaging

The rise of AI in ophthalmic practice follows a steep trajectory.

Read more...

;