Long-term visual outcome of childhood blepharokeratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the visual outcome of childhood blepharokeratoconjunctivitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective noncomparative case series.

METHODS

We reviewed visual acuity and corneal examination results for 23 patients (mean age 19 +/- 4 years, range, 11 to 26 years) who had healed more than three years previously (up to 15 years).

RESULTS

The disease involved 29 eyes and was unilateral in 17 children. Corneal sequelae (neovascularization or scars) involved 18 eyes (62%) of 15 children (65%). Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 (range, 20/100 to 20/20). Best-corrected visual acuity was no more than 20/30 in seven eyes (24%) of seven children (30%). Fifteen eyes (52%) of 13 children (45%) had astigmatisms of at least 0.75 diopters attributable to corneal scars.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal and visual sequelae are frequent in childhood blepharokeratoconjunctivitis. Early diagnosis and specific treatment are mandatory.