On the Ophthalmological Manifestations of Epidermal Drug Reactions

Drug-induced Stevens-Johnson and Lyell's syndromes, which manifest as acute skin and mucous membrane diseases and are often fatal, affect the eyelids and ocular surface to varying degrees, threatening severe visual impairment. Objective: To present the most common ophthalmological manifestations of epidermal drug reactions in the acute and late periods and current treatment options using clinical examples. Materials and Methods. Ophthalmologic manifestations of epidermolytic drug reactions in the acute and late periods are analyzed in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Lyell's syndrome treated at the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Military Medical Academy. Conservative and surgical treatment methods that have achieved satisfactory anatomical and functional results for this pathology are presented. Conclusion. Timely treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Lyell's syndrome— systemic and local conservative treatment combined with surgical interventions in the acute period—plays an important role in preventing severe late ocular complications. Elimination of the ocular consequences of these syndromes involves multi-stage reconstructive surgery. Patients who have experienced these syndromes require long-term ophthalmologic follow-up.