Ocular Co-Morbidities of Atopic Dermatitis. Part I: Associated Ocular Diseases.

Ocular diseases associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) may be sight-threatening. A general understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of atopic eye disease may assist dermatologists in knowing when to refer to ophthalmology and in co-managing these diseases with ophthalmologists. Ocular diseases associated with AD include eyelid dermatitis, keratoconjunctivitis, keratoconus, cataract, and retinal detachment. AD patients are also at higher risk for bacterial and viral ocular infections. The objective of this article is to provide a current review of ocular diseases that commonly affect AD patients. The pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular co-morbidities of AD will be discussed.